Mangalore, November 24: Some churches in the Mangalore diocese have barred devotees from wearing sleeveless dresses, T-shirts with cheeky messages and short skirts saying it would distract other devotees.
Fr Victor Machado, parish priest, Bejai Church, said, "We expect the devout who come to church to be dressed decently. It's a place of worship and not a party hall or place to display the latest fashion. We expect worshippers not be distracted by others dressed immodestly."
He added, "We see people take extra care to dress when they attend a function. Why this disregard when they come to the house of god?" His decision has been seconded by parish council Fr William Menezes, PRO, Bishop's House. and the bishop of Mangalore diocese Rev Aloysius Paul D'Souza, who has been vocal about showing less skin in church.
The dress code, however, could alienate the young, whom churches around the world are trying to keep on hallowed grounds. "When our parents don't object to our dresses, who is the clergy to tell us?" questions college-goer Neetha.
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