Kilts in Church,..your experience?

**Frank McGrath** · 29th September 07, 02:13 PM

Just came back from church in my kilt. I was standing in for the regular guy that opens the building , answers questions, and keeps the groom from running out. I got a lot of great comments and even had a few discussions, answering questions. All in all, a great way to make a few bucks to add to the Scottish vacation fund.

**pbpersson** · 3rd October 07, 07:55 AM

I used to attend the same church Retro Red attends in central Phoenix but I moved to the far east side of town so needed to find a new church home. I did some research on the web of different churches and one HUGE church really wanted me to attend there. The senior pastor thought contemporary kilts were cool, sent me some Bible verses about how God wanted us to be the people He created us to be, and wanted us to enjoy and celebrate the gift of life. The pastoral staff was excited about me attending there, and the senior pastor said he might want to get a contemporary kilt after seeing mine.

However, that church was so far away.....I am now attending a church only seven miles from my new home. Their motto is - "We don't care what you wear, as long as you don't wear a speedo to church." The guys there have been really cool about my kilts although they did have questions. I just told them it is the most comfortable thing a guy can wear and after wearing trousers for 50 years, I thought it was time for a change.

I am one of the guys setting up and tearing down the sound equipment on stage and I also run the sound board so one could say I am a key piece of the worship service there.

**bikercelt1** · 4th October 07, 07:52 PM

I am a cantor, song leader and lector. I wear my kilt every sunday because I gave up pants several years ago. While I respect the opinion of people who are concerned about being a distraction I decided that I should be true to myself and wear the kilt at church. There are enough distractions available on any given Sunday that I don't even rate a second glance anymore. Some people ask sincere questions, but oddly enough they don't ask me. They ask my parents. Since I'm 55 years old I think that's pretty absurd. Most parishioners don't even seem to notice any more and of the parishioners and visitors who do notice all of the interactions have been positive.

Jamie

**Kilted-Marine** · 4th October 07, 11:29 PM

One of the Pastors at the Christian Church I attend helped out at the local irish fair here in minneapolis so we gave him a outfit (ie a clergy tartan sporran etc).. he wore it last sunday while he was playing in the band,,,, as a show of support I also wore my Scottish National... we had many folks take pictures of us and lots of folks came up and explain they were Scottish... Nobody said anything even slightly negative

**threebanger** · 5th October 07, 07:50 AM

Originally Posted by FrugalCorner

One of the Pastors at the Christian Church I attend ... wore it last sunday while he was playing in the band,... Nobody said anything even slightly negative

FC didn't mention that that weekend was the first time that guy had gone out in his new kilt and, as far as I know, the first time one had ever been worn in that particular congregation. Lots of questioning...and several "skirt" comments made as a good-natured poke in the ribs of a good friend, but yes, it was a very positive experience, and seemed to cause minimal distraction during the actual service.
I'm pretty sure there will be at least one more kilt in the congregation before long...

**Makeitstop** · 5th October 07, 09:32 AM

I wore my black sport kilt to church the last 2 weeks. I only got one comment from anyone other than my friends.

Of course, I have noticed a few reactions, but they don't seem to be comfortable asking about it.

**McFarkus** · 5th October 07, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by Coemgen

I had been planning to wear it to church when our archbishop (NATHANIEL of Detroit) came to our twentieth anniversary, but my priest said (I quote verbatim), "Don't wear your kilt," to which our other priest quipped out, "Or we'll kill you." I was puzzled, but I complied.

The reason (unbeknownst to me until the next morning) was that the archbishop was going to tonsure me as a reader, and during that ceremony I bow down, forehead to floor, butt in the air.

I can't get the picture out of my head

**McFarkus** · 5th October 07, 10:32 AM

this year on St. Andrew's Day - once they're used to it, I'll probably wear it often.

**Archangel** · 5th October 07, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by mkfarkus

this year on St. Andrew's Day - once they're used to it, I'll probably wear it often.

You have to wear it for them to get used to it.

Some won't need to get used to it. Others will never get used to it. Your congregation, your call.

**McFarkus** · 5th October 07, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by Archangel

You have to wear it for them to get used to it.

Some won't need to get used to it. Others will never get used to it. Your congregation, your call.

I know - my first kilt is arriving next week and it's going to take a little time to assemble the rest of the outfit. I may wear it in a more casual way to church before that, but I plan to dress it up some for St. Andrew's Day.

The church I attend is very laid back, shorts and t-shirts in the summer. This Sunday we're bringing our pets for St. Francis - they actually are in the service, are blessed with holy water and receive appropriate treats during communion.