Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 9/24/2006

Question
The church at my school has nondenominational services. The chaplin who conducts the services wears a Roman collar some times. He is not a Catholic priest. I never put any thought into but my friend's room mate went up to him and asked why he was wearing it. She was very rude about it and I couldn't believe someone would do that. So I was wondering who is supposed to or allowed to wear them. And if it's suppose to be only for the Catholic church. Thank you!

Answer
Peace


dear Meghan

 I don't think it was rude to ask. She could have asked in rude way. Questions help to avoid real awkwardness.

Its called a Roman Collar not a Catholic Collar. Its called Roman because it was a common type of "tie" of Rome. It became almost strictly clergical in the late 4th century, thanks to St Patrick, the missionary bishop to Ireland. He encouraged his fellow clergy to wear it, to show their union with bishop of Roman, especially during preaching instead of what some call the Celtic collar.

I know some Lutherans and Anglican, and even some Baptist ministers that were it as well. Why? I am not sure, I might ask them,when I see them wearing it again.


                       your servant but His first
                                george