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There is some misunderstanding about the "Mormon Dress Code." In the first place it isn't a code required for attendance at meetings, nor to become a member. I've been a "Mormon" (more properly a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) all my life. During that time I've seen people come to church in all sorts of clothes. While it is true that there are a few who will look askance at "improper" clothing in church, most will try to make people feel welcome, regardless of their clothing.

That said, the "Mormon" (LDS) church does urge people to dress appropriately. This falls primarily into three areas:

1. Modesty. The church teaches respect for the body and opposes the flagrant sexuality so rampant in our society today. Sadly, we see even elementary age girls dressing like whores and of course fashion and movie stars glamorize sexuality as though a woman's only purpose was to be sexy. The church opposes that trend and urges both men and women to avoid overly-revealing clothing. The exact type of clothing generally accepted will depend on the activity engaged in. People jogging, swimming, or doing other forms of exercise or sports will obviously not dress like people who are engaging in less active active sorts of things. The objective of this part of the dress standards is to avoid attracting attention to the sexual parts of the body.

2. Respect. We believe that people attending church should show respect appropriate to the occasion. Such respect includes dressing appropriately, the old-fashioned "Sunday best." The idea is that if one is to approach deity in worship, that person should dress according to the occasion. Few would wear jeans and a tee-shirt to attend a reception at the White House or Buckingham Palace. How much more should we dress up for a "reception" in the house of the Lord? At church most men wear ties and many wear suits or sport coats. Most women wear skirts or dresses.

3. Effectiveness. Church leaders and missionaries wear clothing that helps them be taken seriously. I regard this type of clothing as something imposed more by society than by the Lord. In business, politics, and other activities today men are expected to wear suits and women to dress equivalently. The same applies to church representatives if they are to be effective in their assignments. This is especially necessary for young missionaries, 19-22 year-olds sent to teach people. It helps them be taken seriously if they dress in a serious manner. Should society change its expectations of how a leader should dress I would expect church leaders and missionaries to change how they dress (provided such change is consistent with the modesty standards described above.)

This is, as I say, not a strict dress code. Nobody will be kicked out for not dressing this way. However it is a standard that LDS members are encouraged to meet.

Learn more about this author, Hal Lillywhite.
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