Dress Rules for Women

"The basic reason for modesty of dress is to subdue the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life," the UPCI document continues. "The exposed body tends to arouse improper thoughts in both wearer and onlooker."

To avoid such problems, United Pentecostal churches set these modesty guidelines for women:

• No slacks "because they immodestly reveal the feminine contours of upper leg, thigh, and hip"

• No makeup

• No jewelry except a wedding ring and wristwatch

• No low necklines

• No sleeveless dresses or shirts

• No very tight or very thin clothes

• No dress hemlines at or above the knee

• No sleeves above the elbow

• Uncut hair

The UPCI says balance is appropriate for women: "She is not so old-fashioned as to look like a monstrosity, but she is deliberately methodical in choosing clothing that will dignify her womanhood without provoking the stares of the opposite sex."

When a woman is praying she must cover her head to respect the Lord Jesus who is  "His sovereignty"

  "His sovereignty" refers to a supreme and absolute power, a deity's absolute authority and control over all creation, as well as their unhindered will and purpose.

 

 

 

Guidelines for Men

While the Bible does not set specific clothing guidelines for men, United Pentecostal churches believe men and women should be distinguishable:

• No hair covering the tops of a man's ears

• No hair touching a man's collar

"We can honestly proclaim that the basic principles of godly appearance that apply to Christian women should also apply to men; namely, modesty, moderation, decency, elimination of ornamentation and costly finery, and distinction between male and female in hair and dress," the UPCI says.

Dress Rules for Gender Distinction

In addition to modesty, the Bible calls for a clear distinction between the genders, says the UPCI. A recent position paper calls for Pentecostal dress rules for men and women to emphasize their differences. Following the Fall of Man,

The Lord graciously intervened. He mercifully covered and clothed them (Gender-appropriate clothing, the paper states, is pants for men and skirts or dresses for women. Further, women are to let their hair grow long while men should keep their hair short.

Pentecostal Dress Codes Vary

The UPCI is among the most conservative Pentecostal denominations. Other Pentecostal churches may allow more flexibility in their dress codes. Some require floor-length hemlines, while others allow ankle length or below the knee. Dresses, skirts, and tops on those sites are colorful and stylish, far from the frumpiness one might expect.

.

Critics of “holiness standards” say that Peter and Paul, in their New Testament letters, were dealing with former pagans who had no experience with modesty in their previous lives and so needed counseling in virtuous behavior. Today, these Christians say, it is possible for women to enhance their appearance without being seductive.

Behavior Guidelines

In addition to appearance guidelines, the UPCI also advises against activities it believes are unsuitable for Christians:

• No mixed swimming

• No dancing

• No movies in theaters

• No television

According to the church, the problem is not with the technology itself but with the favorable display of worldliness and ungodliness so prevalent in movies and TV shows.

The United Pentecostal Church's official website advocates internet accountability by all users to keep a handle on sites visited and the amount of time spent on the computer.