The Roman Catholic Church in Manila has laid down a dress code after parishioners complained they were being distracted by women wearing skimpy shorts, plunging necklines and men wearing sports jerseys during Mass.
The Manila archdiocese in this predominantly Roman Catholic country issued guidelines recently to all churches in Manila.
Among the clothing items declared inappropriate for men are baseball caps, sports jerseys, undershirts and shorts.
For women, tank tops, spaghetti straps, skimpy shorts, sleeveless shirts or blouses with plunging necklines are out.
Assistant minister of the archdiocese Father Godwin Tatlonghari said on Tuesday it was the parishioners themselves who complained about people in inappropriate clothing.
“They usually cite the increasing number of people who come to church to attend Mass or other liturgical functions garbed in a way that disrespects the sanctity of the house of God and the sacredness of the liturgical celebration,” Tatlonghari said.
He acknowledged that the dress code was just a guideline and that the church was not planning to punish violators.
More than 80% of the country’s 86-million people are Catholic. — AFP