White Cope

White Cope

Our Lutheran Confessions say that the Lutheran churches will continue to use the vestments

that were in common use in the Church at the time of the Reformation.

 

This is one of the ways in which the Church of the Reformation shows herself

not to be a new invention,

but rather a restoration to health for the Church of Christ,

which has always been in existence,

ever since the time of the Apostles.

Vestments emphasise the character of Christian worship as a solemn celebration

in which Christ Himself comes to His Church and His Christians

to give Himself to us, with His salvation.

 

The cope is worn by the leading liturgist at non-Communion services.

It does not as such point to the Pastor’s office and authority

– it could be worn by a layman leading a prayer service.

Therefore the cope will not be worn on the pulpit,

where the Pastor will instead wear the stole

as an indicator of his authorisation from Christ Himself

to preach and teach on His behalf, and with His authority.

White is the festive colour,

symbolising light, purity, and joy.

It is the colour of the High Feasts of the Church Year,

such as Christmas and Easter,

and individual festival days

such as Epiphany, the Baptism of our Lord,

the Annunciation of our Lord, the Ascension of our Lord,

All Saints Day, etc.

 

Pastor Tinglund’s white cope was designed and made by Pastor Paul Cain of Sheridan, Wyoming.

 Photos courtesy of Gabriela Tinglund.