Learn all about ‘fashionable faith’ at church exhibition and catwalk

In celebration of the rich diversity of clothing and accessories in the Christian faith, St John’s Church is hosting a ‘Fashionable Faith’ exhibition and catwalk sharing the story of religious costume.

The event will run on Saturday 25th October at the church at 10am, featuring an exhibition of the clerical robes and outfits. There will also be a ticketed lecture at 2pm, when the catwalk will take place and the robes will be showcased with music and models.

Reverend Seamus Hargrave said, “Keeping up with today’s fast-paced trends can be a difficult task but fortunately there are some fashions which are timeless. Indeed, in the Church’s case, some might even call them antiquated.

“Since the first few centuries of Christianity, faith and fashion have always had a close relationship, if you are what you wear, then those in the service of Christian faith have sought to make their dress a living expression of their faith and ministry.

“The church is one of the few institutions today where fashions and styles of the past are still regularly used and appreciated, creating a living link with our ancestors and our present and a witness to the singular endurance of Christian faith whilst fashion and history have changed around it. But there is even more to this, very often the stubborn resilience of clerical robes that can give us a much deeper insight into the Christian faith itself and the Church’s understanding of her mission.

“At St John’s, we invite you into an immersive journey of the history of Christianity and church as told through the unique saga of priestly fashion and how it speaks of the depth and growth of our local and global Christian faith.”

Fashionable Faith will start at 10am with the catwalk at 2pm; tickets will cost £5. “All are warmly invited to participate this unique event,” said Seamus.

Pictured: Some of the robes in the church