‘Why don’t you wear a suit?’
Late last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to the United States to meet with American officials about the ongoing war with Russia. Most significant was a meeting between the heads of state that took place in the Oval Office. While other matters were of much greater priority, at one point in the discussion a shift was made to focus on President Zelensky’s attire.
Zelensky wore black pants and a long-sleeve black sweatshirt with the Ukrainian trident over the chest. Throughout the room, however, American politicians and news media wore more formal dress. This difference became the focal point of conversation when Brian Glenn of Real American Voice’s network spoke out:
Glenn: “My second question is for President Zelensky. Do you ever, why don’t you wear a suit? Why don’t you wear a suit? You’re at the highest level in this country’s office and you refuse to wear a suit. Just want to see if — do you own a suit?”
Zelensky: “Yeah, yeah, problems.”
Glenn: “A lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting the office.”
Zelensky: “I will wear a costume after this war will finish.”
Glenn: “OK.”
Zelensky: “Yes, maybe…”
Glenn: “Maybe something like this.”
Zelensky: “Maybe something like yours.”
Glenn: “Yes, sir. That would be great.”
Zelensky: “Maybe something better, I don’t know. We will see. Maybe something cheaper.”
Glenn: “Thank you.”
Zelensky: “Thank you.”
Zelensky’s nation is at war. Since the beginning of the invasion, the president of Ukraine has consistently worn clothing that shows his solidarity with his soldiers, who are fighting on the frontlines. This is not the first time a world leader has met with a sitting United States president in less-formal attire. For example, during World War II, Winston Churchill met with President Franklin Roosevelt wearing a jumpsuit.
Regardless of how someone views proper etiquette or personal fashion, the larger question is about hospitality and posturing.
When our church started in January 2022, we met in a classroom on the local university campus. About eight months later, we had the opportunity to begin renting space where a former church previously worshiped. The sanctuary and classrooms on the ground floor were available to rent in a building that also housed our county’s only shelter for the unhomed, The Rolla Mission.
Relocating, we embraced the opportunity to “do church” in a less formal manner. As our leadership team met, we envisioned sitting in a living-room style room, singing a wide array of music, teaching the Bible in a more interactive manner and building relationships that transcend socio-economic differences. Moreover, part of that decision was to intentionally dress informally in an effort to be inclusive of those we wanted to welcome into our activities and services.
For the last three years, my suits have hung in my closet and are only pulled out for rare, special occasions (an occasional wedding, funeral or formal event). I enjoy dressing up and certainly believe God deserves my very best, but my best is not to outdress those who either do not have formal clothing or who choose to not wear it. Instead of putting on a “costume,” I’d much rather meet people where they are.
So, every Sunday, people from all walks of life walk into the CrossRoads campus wearing whatever they choose or have available to wear — shorts or blue jeans, knit shirts or hoodies. You’d be hard pressed to differentiate those who hold doctorate degrees from those who are working on GEDs. We are all just human beings gathering in need of acceptance, belonging and companionship on the journey of faith.
We have learned a lot from befriending those who walk through our doors. Life has been different for them, perhaps as different as those fighting for their freedom halfway around the world. A difference stated by a Ukrainian pastor and friend who sent this message to me after Zelensky’s visit to the Oval Office:
After the failed meeting of our president in White House, our people are gripped by fear. On one hand, Russia continues the war; on the other hand, Ukraine risks being left without help. This is despair! I feel fear and pain everywhere. Only God can heal this! Please pray for continued support.
“Do suits really matter when people are gripped by fear, facing the terror of aggression, and living in despair?”
A better approach to diplomacy might be to welcome people at the table just as they are and to work toward inclusion — to come with less aggression and more compassion. If we really want to make a difference, we need to be better listeners who empathize with the pain of those around us.
As we approach Lent and a time of intentional reflection on the coming of Jesus to earth, I see the incarnate presence of God coming to “tabernacle” with us. Jesus took on flesh to join us where we are — in the messy and broken world in which we live. I see a Jesus with dusty, dirty feet washing the grime from his disciples’ feet rather than demanding they serve him.
Paul counseled Titus that overseers are to be people who are “not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursing dishonest gain … hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” Perhaps this is both a good lesson for those in the White House and those of us in the church house.
Jesus had a strong word of criticism for the Pharisees who cleaned up the outside but on the inside were full of greed and self-indulgence. Let us be people who are much more concerned about whether our hearts and attitudes toward others are in the right place than whether we are wearing suits.
Patrick Wilson has served as a pastor 25 years in Dallas and Austin, Texas, and most recently in in Rolla, Mo., where he now leads a community of faith, CrossRoads. He is a graduate of Baylor University, earned two master’s degrees at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Logsdon Seminary.