Dress code at the Basilica

I follow with great interest the ongoing online discussions about the strict implementation of the 'dress code policy' at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. What interests me is not who is right or wrong on the issue of the church dress code. As a Roman Catholic myself, the matter is settled for me; I stand with the Augustinian priests on this.

I take particular interest in why so many people, including some regular churchgoers, have criticized the dress code policy. It even struck me that the Basilica administrators are being portrayed as the 'contrabida' in this issue.

As I mentioned, I am in favor of the dress code at the Basilica. I recall the observation made by 19th-century pastor William Henry Foote: “As they readied themselves for worship, the faithful put on their best and carefully preserved dress in preparation for their approach to the King of Kings” (Schmidt, 1989).

When inside a Roman Catholic church, it is reasonable to expect churchgoers to avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, sandos, ripped jeans, caps, or hats. Even more so, attire like spaghetti straps, tube or tank tops, plunging necklines, racerbacks or barebacks, short skirts or crop tops, and low-waist pants should be avoided. I’ve just listed all the items mentioned in the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu dress code poster.

We know that some Catholic churches have become more relaxed in allowing people to enter regardless of how they are dressed. However, this has led many to forget an important truth: what we wear in religious spaces is closely tied to showing respect and devotion. Growing up in the 1980s, we children, along with our parents and neighbors, were expected to wear our 'Sunday best' to church.

But why has the strict implementation of the dress code at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, effective October 1, 2024, stirred some controversy? In my view, the opposition to the dress code is shaped by context that the administrator-priests of the Basilica may not be fully aware of.

The way they composed their statement reflects a number of critical things about the Church and priests, or at least some of them --rooted in their role, perspective, and the challenges they face in balancing religious reverence with modern sensibilities. You can read the entire statement on the basilica's social media page, posted as early as September 1. Essentially, it states that the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu will enforce a dress code starting October 1, 2024, requiring all visitors to wear respectful attire to uphold the sanctity of the space. Visitors in inappropriate clothing will be denied entry.

The statement is standard, directive, and formal, with a restrictive tone focused on enforcement rather than engagement. It highlights what is not allowed (“denied entry”, “discouraged from visiting”) and frames the dress code as a restriction rather than an opportunity for communal respect and spiritual reflection.

Understandably, priests, especially those overseeing major religious sites like the basilica, have a significant responsibility to safeguard the spiritual integrity of the Church. However, from a synodality perspective --seeing the nature of the Church as the “People of God journeying together and gathering in assembly”-- the challenge for the Church lies in how to effectively communicate doctrinal and non-negotiable policies to the laity.

Priests, as power holders within the community, often live in spaces removed from the everyday concerns of ordinary people, which can create gaps in sensitivity. As a result, rigid rules may be perceived as alienating and inconvenient by the flock, even though our priests may not fully realize this.

Now that I’ve made my point, allow me to suggest, and it's not yet too late, that the basilica emphasize to churchgoers that our beloved basilica is the home of Señor Santo Niño. In plain language, we could say something like: “Whether you're here to pray, attend Mass, or explore as a tourist, please come dressed respectfully. Think of it as dressing for a special occasion. Visitors who don’t meet the dress code won’t be able to enter the Basilica, but we encourage you to return with modest clothing to honor this sacred space. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1387) reminds us, our appearance and attitude should reflect the respect and joy we bring to this special place.”