When Dress Codes Conflict with Apostolic Beliefs

Summary

Summary prepared by Acts 2:38 Life from the transcript below — the preacher’s words follow in full.

The scriptural basis — modesty, ornamentation, gender distinction

• The question posed (in the host's frame): what happens when school, or workplace, dress codes conflict with Apostolic values and beliefs? Do Believers have any legal recourse, in these types of situations? And the question's own framing: this summer, there was a school district (in the state the question's layer names), that elicited some backlash, when it implemented a new dress code for students. And interestingly, some of the items that were on the banned list were dresses and skirts. This isn't the first time that we've seen school and workplace dress codes, that conflict with Apostolic values — particularly when it comes to issues such as gender distinction. So in nursing, for example: we've seen medical employers, that will not allow a dress, as part of their uniform. How do you feel Apostolic should respond, to these types of situations? And maybe, from a legal standpoint: can an employer, or a school district, force compliance, with these types of dictates? The answer: well, first of all, let me start with scripture. We do believe, as apostolics, that our dress should be different from the world. Specifically: we believe in modesty of dress. Avoiding ornamentation. And gender distinction, between male and female. In modern Western culture, that means: we think men should wear pants, but not skirts or dresses. We think women should wear skirts and dresses, but not pants. Now, if someone wants a theological discussion: I have a book called in search of Holiness. Another book called practical Holiness. Both of them discuss it, from a scriptural point of view — going back to Genesis (the verse as he gives it). Deuteronomy (the verse as he gives it). First Corinthians (the chapter as he gives it). First Corinthians (the range as he gives it). And so that would give you a theological basis. So this is how we choose to live. This is how we want to live. And, by the way: we're not the only group that faces this. The Amish — and even though they don't interact too much with Society, a lot of the Mennonites do. And they face these same issues. Many Orthodox Jews, and conservative Muslims, face the same type of thing. As well as other Conservative Christian groups. So it is a matter of obeying the Bible. And it's also a matter of religious liberty.

Scriptures: Genesis 1:27; Deuteronomy 22:5; 1 Corinthians 11; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Korea — where there was no choice, grace covers

• Now, the laws of different countries differ. I know when I grew up in Korea, years ago: the government had a dress code, for public schools. And part of that — it varied at times. But during my time there, the typical thing was: boys had to shave their heads, and wear, you know, a black uniform. Girls had to cut their hair, right below their ears. And while — and sometimes they could wear skirts. I think other schools, at different times, required pants. Well, we had a big problem. Because many of our church members were children and teenagers. In some cases, their parents weren't even believers — they were Buddhists, or ancestor worshipers ('our ancestor worshipers', as heard). But these children would receive the Holy Ghost. They would grow up in our church. And now they hear our teachings. As a teenager, they want to follow them. And so sometimes the girls wouldn't cut their hair. And I remember: in some cases, the teachers would get so angry, they'd yank them up, in front of class, and chop off their hair with scissors, and send them home. And then their parents would support the school, because the parents were unbelievers. And then, likewise: sometimes they would force them to put on pants. Well, obviously: when you don't have a choice like that, I believe God's grace covers you. You attempt to follow God's will. And you're not able to do otherwise, because of the authority in your life. So there are unusual circumstances.

The American case — the First Amendment, suitable alternatives, and the practical steps

• But in American culture: we do have the First Amendment, which guarantees religious liberty. And we have the equal employment opportunity commission, which is supposed to guarantee that everybody's treated equally. And so we have a strong case. And as far back as when I was a law clerk, I worked on a case like this — where a Pentecostal woman — I think she was a bus driver. And I've worked on cases where restaurants: they would be hired, and then say: well, you have to wear this uniform, and you cannot wear a dress. And sometimes in medical situations, they say: you have to wear these scrubs. You can't wear a modified form. And they would say: well, it's because of safety. Because a skirt might get caught in Machinery, or this, or that, or the other. But I think we can say — we can make the case: this is our religious conviction. Therefore, this is our First Amendment right, under the U.S Constitution. And whatever practical reasons you have — modesty, safety, Health — we can find suitable Alternatives, that meet the goal of gender distinction, which is scriptural. And yet fulfill any reasonable concern, that any employer has. And so we have — there have been women — Pentecostal women ('Pentecost women', as heard) have been successful: either in appealing it internally, to the company or the hospital, and getting a change of policy. Or, if all else fails, taking the legal route: to the EEOC, the government. Or, if necessary, filing a lawsuit, and getting a court to order that. And I'm thankful to tell you that women do have more options today. Styles change. But right now: dresses and skirts — and modest, flowing, long dresses and skirts — are more in fashion ('and More in fashion', as the sentence stands). So it's easier to get them, in regular stores. But let me just share a few places, where they're either Apostolic, or if not Apostolic, at least focused on modest apparel — which can be used in the workplace, or in sports. So even in our sports activities, I should say — or leisure activities. So even when, let's say, the employer insists on something: the woman can say: well, here's an alternative, that meets whatever your concerns are, and yet fulfills my scriptural teaching. So there's — and, by the way, obviously I'm not officially recommending any business. But I'm just giving you examples. You can go online, look at them, see what you think. But there's a sea Saucy — c-s-a-u-c-y (as he spells it) — which is focused on medical uniforms. So, like scrub skirts, for example. There's mod sportswear. There's dainty Jewels — spelled with two L's. They're snoga — s and oga (as he spells it). So those are some websites, where there's some Alternatives. So I would say: and so far, we don't really seem to have the issue with men and boys. And they seem to be able to — you know, the government, or the businesses, don't seem to be forcing men and boys, to violate their convictions. So it's usually women and girls. So if you're faced with that, what I would say is: do your research. Come up with a Godly, modest, gender appropriate alternative. And go to the employer, or school, or, you know, government office, and say: this is my religious conviction. I understand your policy, and the reasons for it. Well, here is an alternative, that meets the goals. Some people say: we want a uniform. Well, we can have something made, that exactly matches your uniform, but is gender distinctive. And whatever your goal is, in having a uniform, is superseded by a constitutional right. And in most cases, I think, if you go through the process with the company, or school, and invoke the First Amendment — perhaps even need to get a letter, from your pastor. Or even from headquarters: we'll be glad to send a letter, saying this is the official position, of our international organization — of over 42 000 churches, and 233 Nations and territories (as the figures stand). This is what we believe. And here's the relevant statement, in our articles of faith, and in our manual. And, if all else fails, then you can go to a lawyer. And see if a letter from a lawyer, or filing a lawsuit, is necessary. But hopefully, that won't be necessary. In short: there are good options, for Apostolic women, to follow the teachings of scripture. And yet participate, in various employment positions.

Scripture index: Genesis 1:27; Deuteronomy 22:5; 1 Corinthians 11; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.