Beliefs vary on church fashion

From New Jersey-

St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Teaneck has a novel way to handle the summer slump when most churches generally see a dip in attendance. Weather permitting, the church holds its 6:30 p.m. service on the lawn, and parishioners are invited to "come as you are." Families returning from the beach or pool show up in T-shirts and shorts, while others wear their usual Sunday best, said Wilma Pruden, a warden at the church.

"It's never been an issue," Pruden said. "Our Sunday service is not a fashion show; people come to pray and for the sense of community they feel at St. Mark's. We'd rather have people come to church than stay home because they didn't have a chance to change."

John Greer, a member of St. Mary's in Pompton Lakes, said his family was shunned from a couple of previous churches for dressing too casual. "One priest gave a whole homily about not dressing up, and they pointed to us," he said. "It turned us off."

On a recent Sunday, Greer, a computer consultant from Wanaque, and his two teenage sons, worshiped in their usual threads: hooded sweatshirts, jeans and sneakers. "St. Mary's is like a family," said Greer. "You wouldn't get dressed up to visit your brother," he said.

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http://www.northjersey.com/news/88752132_Beliefs_vary_on_church_fashion.html