Question
Gramps,
I was asked not to wear a baseball cap in the church at a social activity that was not in the chapel. I do not see a problem if it’s on a Mutual night or social activity. I would never wear it in the chapel. I have a large scar from brain surgery and prefer to wear my hat. I always remove for prayers. I have looked in the handbook and can’t find anything that says hats should not be worn in church buildings.
John
Answer
Dear John,
Wow. It sounds like you have gone through a lot in life. I applaud you for surviving such a thing as brain surgery, which we all know is incredibly complex and very serious. Without knowing the reason for your brain surgery or how long ago it was, all I can tell you is that you are in all of our prayers here at Ask Gramps, and we hope and pray that you continue to have good health.
You already mentioned that you take the hat off for prayers, and that’s very respectful of you. Like you, I have looked in the handbook and have not found anything that tells me that hats should not be worn in church buildings. In fact, I think it might be a cultural issue more than a church issue. In many parts of the country it is not uncommon for women to wear hats in buildings, including churches. It’s always been considered rude for men to wear a hat inside a building, but there are exceptions to every rule. Perhaps you should speak to the person who asked you to take your hat off in private and inform them of your circumstances. I don’t blame you for wearing a hat inside, and it sounds like you know when to take it off to be respectful to the church.
If the person still insists that you take the hat off, perhaps you should speak to your bishop and inform him of why you wear the hat in the first place. Remind him that you take it off for prayers and are not trying to be disrespectful in any way. I hope it works out for you, and you’ll continue to be in our prayers!
Gramps