Vestments

Vestments are the distinctive garments worn by bishops, priests, deacons, servers, and other ministers in Christian worship. In Anglican churches, vestments such as the alb, stole, surplice, cassock, chasuble, cope, tippet, and chimere express liturgical office, season, ceremony, and continuity with historic Christian worship.

In the history of the Church vestments, and the symbolism attached to them, has been of great debate and controversy.

Classical Anglican Vestments

Traditionally, the vestments and ornaments established "in the Second Year of the Reign of King Edward the Sixth" were considered authoritative by the discipline and canons of the Church of England and those in her communion.

However, even as early as the reign of Edward VI, there were some in England who rejected the use of vestments. Bishop John Hooper, made his objection to the use of vestments known and this evolved into the larger Vestments Controversy. Opposition to vestments was a hallmark of Puritanism.