Donna Freitas: September 2006 Archives

Ministers aren't exactly known for their fashion sense and couture style--until now, that is. Beginning this month, the Rev. Joanna Jepson is trading life at a local British parish for big-city London, and most interestingly of all, a post as chaplain for the London College of Fashion--the first chaplain ever at the school, or at any fashion institution in England, for that matter.

In the article "The catwalk finds God," Jonathan Wynne-Jones reports Rev. Jepson's surprise at everyone else's surprise regarding her new appointment:

As someone who has long taken an interest in fashion, Miss Jepson, 30, feels that the Church should have a presence in the business. "The fashion industry has a huge impact and influence on vast numbers in our society," she said. "It has a particularly powerful role in shaping the self-image and views of young people, and it's important for the Church to be involved with this type of community. It's amazing that it hasn't had this link before." The curate, who has previously criticised society's preoccupation with image, said that she was switching from full-time parish ministry to the fashion world because she could make more of an impact there.

Perhaps the Fashion Insititue of Technology (FIT) in New York City will follow suit.