''Skimpy'' gown: When the priest say ''no''

SUNDAY VISION

As if the debate on miniskirts was not juicy enough, the Church is giving us more to think about. Recently, a priest declared that brides should no longer come to church in gowns that expose the shoulders and back. But is this is a big issue?

By Allen Nabanoba

In the western tradition, brides often choose a white wedding dress.

Rev. David Sekiziyivu, the assistant vicar of St. Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe says white wedding dresses are used to signify purity and virginity. Increasingly, other shades apart from white have been used.

“Others use cream wedding dresses because they have been together before the wedding. They use cream as a symbol of renewing their marriage,” Sekiziyivu says.

Historically, brides wear special clothes that become the focus of the celebration. Style remains a big consideration, thus wedding gowns come in a wide variety of designs. Sleeveless gowns might have been considered indecent in the early days because ladies were expected to cover most parts of their bodies, but that has gradually changed.

Fashion and design have changed the look of wedding gowns and many styles are more revealing. But now some religious leaders are saying, enough of these trends, let us go back to covering up.

“We do not accept an open dress. Before the wedding, we always teach the couple about marriage and what we expect them to wear. I think people are now going back to the ancient days of Adam and Eve where they used to cover their private parts only. But a bride is always a bride because people are all looking at you and also remember your father-in-law is around, so take care when choosing those sleeveless gowns,” says Fr. Denis Sebugwawo of St. Matia Mulumba parish in Old Kampala.

However, Jessica Namyalo of Jessica Bridal Parlour, says: “I was told in my parish that I had to have my shoulders covered or I would have to pull my veil around to cover my shoulders. I do not mind, I prefer sleeves anyway.

“However, other churches in our diocese are less strict. I have seen strapless dresses with a significant amount of cleavage, single-strap and halter necks among others, in photos from born-again churches. I do not think it is right for church leaders to refuse sleeveless gowns because it is a bride’s choice,” says Namyalo.

What is intended?

How does a woman discern the fine line between proper dress and dressing to be the centre of attention? The answer starts in the intent of the heart because modesty can be expressed in many ways, but it is primarily expressed by how we dress.

“As women, our beauty should not come from outward adornment but rather from character that is honouring to God. When others spend time with us or even meet us for the first time on our wedding, they should be struck by God’s work in our lives through our character and pure speech, but not by our trendy clothes,” says Faridah Namakula, a vendor at Nakasero market.

Some people say it does not matter to God what they wear, but what matters is being glad to see them in church purifying their marriage.

“You know it is a bride’s choice to choose the dress she adores, not the church. However, remember this ceremony is big and it collects different people like your in-laws, workmates, religious leaders and others, so the bride should look for something classy, but modest enough.

"In some churches like the Catholic Church, there are brothers who should not be shown your chest and breasts,” says Maureen, a bridal hairstylist at Lady Maureen Salon in Mengo.

Every bride radiates true inner joy and beauty on her wedding day, and a degree of modesty in her dress will actually enhance her loveliness.

“A Catholic wedding ceremony is a sacrament that couples administer to each other, so it must be a ceremony of mutual consent. Therefore, the couple should be decent enough on D-day,” Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the assistant chaplain at St. Augustine’s Chapel, Makerere says.

It is not all about the Church deciding the wedding gown the bride is to wear so that she maintains her decency and modesty. It is also important to think about other people’s feelings, for example your family and even your groom.

Men's views

Edward Wamududa: On our wedding day, I insisted that my wife should wear a small jacket over her wedding dress from the house to church and to reception. It is good that church leaders have expressed their dissatisfaction with the indecent wedding dresses popular these days.

Moses Kalema: My wife’s body is mine alone. If I wear a three-piece long sleeved suit, why should my wife confuse the presiding priests and congregation by displaying ‘my’ bosoms to the public? I agree with the church leaders on abolishing sleeveless wedding gowns in church.