Church clergy warned to remove dog-collars to prevent attacks
A British Christian group has warned Catholic and Anglican clergy should remove their clerical collars when off-duty so that they will not be singled-out for attack.
by Daniel Blake
Posted: Monday, October 8, 2007, 10:55 (BST)
A British Christian group has warned Catholic and Anglican clergy should remove their clerical collars when off-duty so that they will not be singled-out for attack.
National Churchwatch, established in 1998 to advise churches and church workers on security and protection, has said that criminals often target clergymen because they believe they will have money.
Nick Tolson, head of National Churchwatch, has had experience working in the police force and as a Verger in Wells Cathedral. He said that the ‘dog-collars’ also can attract those who hold a “grudge against God”.
He said, “They've got to be aware that when they're on their own, they're at high risk. What we're saying is that when clergy are off duty say when they're shopping at (the supermarket) they should slip off the dog collar and put it in their pocket.”
In 2001, a study by the University of London found that 70 per cent of clergy had experienced some form of violence against them over the two year period between 1997 and 1999, Tolson says.
Even more alarming, more than 10 per cent of clergy had been assaulted.
They've (clergy) got to be aware that when they're on their own, they're at high risk.
Nick Tolson, head of National Churchwatch
Although statistics show that most assaults on clergy are committed by parishioners, other attacks from strangers could be avoided if dog-collars were removed when not on official church business.
Tolson said that declining congregations had led to a decrease in respect towards clergy. He said, “A knock on effect of this is that attacking a member of the clergy is seen by most criminals as no different to attacking a shopkeeper, robbing an old lady or any other member of society.”
The Church of England has welcomed the warning, but also added that its rules stated that “clergy should dress as clergy”.
A Church statement said: “Many would be reluctant to shed this very public sign of their ministry. We know that parish clergy can feel torn when it comes to balancing the desire to be visible and approachable within their community against the importance of protecting their safety and personal time.”
The Rev David Houlding, from St Paul's Cathedral, said, “I feel much safer wearing my dog collar when I'm walking through the streets at night. There is still an air of respect to it. Most of the time, I wear it every day. It's my uniform.”
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The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.
Added: Wednesday, November 28, 2007, 12:20 (GMT)
I think you are reading into this wrongly, I agree with Nick Tolson - the world has changed a lot since Jesus was around and unfortunatly Britain is not a Christian country anymore it has changed and I will wear my uniform in Church but not outside because I will probably get attacked - the military do not even wear their uniforms outside the bases now in fear of being attacked. I feel that the power of God can only do so much but people will not stop at anything anymore - we have entered a dark age of attacks - for many people the church doesn't exsit anymore neither does religion
Alex, Somerset
Added: Monday, October 8, 2007, 21:08 (BST)
We have let our God down by encouraging the worship of false Gods in this Nation, we must not live in fear of man - Stand firm for God, we should all support His people Israel and stand up against rising anti-semitism too. He will bless our land if we bless Him and His people.
Jacqueline, Cirencester UK
Added: Monday, October 8, 2007, 15:44 (BST)
I agree with John. This is absurd. Who is this so called Christian group. Most Christian's should want to be stand up and be noticed, to witness to the World around us, not to hide away.
Are we not called to shine Gods light around. How can we do that if we hide it away. How about having a bit more trust and faith in God's protection. Would Jesus or His disciples have denied themselves if put it a potentially dangerous position.
True they would not hang around where they were clearly not wanted but they hide within them unseen, I think not. Sounds like this group has got a bit too much secular thinking to me.
Mike Setter, London
Added: Monday, October 8, 2007, 14:52 (BST)
How absurd! Priests and deacons .... as well as religious persons MUST demonstrate who they are by wearing their clerical attire.
To call a Roman collar a 'dog collar' shows contempt for the religious. Period.
I proudly wear mine as a symbol.
Michael McLain, Hales Corners, WI USA
Added: Monday, October 8, 2007, 12:14 (BST)
I've never heard anything so absurd as to tell clergy to not wear their uniform to avoid persecution. We are not talking about wearing the uniform in an Islamic country like Saudi Arabia where it is obviously a bad idea, but in Britain - a Christian country - clergy should face any persecution face on and stand proud in the face of adversity.
John Trevors, London
