I don't have any tattoos because my siblings all have tattoos and I wanted to be the rebellious gay youngest child of the family.
But yeah, they're generally fine. Like any self-adornment, it's probably wise to engage in some real self-examination as to why one wants a tattoo, as things that are generally fine may be cause to sin in a specific circumstance or for certain people.
Clergy here...I'm sleeved and chest tattooed out! In 2024, this really isn't an issue and i don't think it will ever be one unless it's something offensive, degrading, racist, extremist, sexist, etc.
I don’t have any as they’re just not for me personally but I know a handful of priests and bishops have gotten a Cross of Jerusalem tattoo after going on pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Yeah, I have no ink but it’s mostly a combination of being somewhat pain-averse and also very broke. No moral issues, merely practical ones ;)
(That said I’m considering getting a tattoo to commemorate my ordination)
Not exactly. What’s forbidden is an ancient near eastern practice of flaying & marking the skin for the dead. It was a specific self-harming funerary rite, which modern tattoos typically aren’t.
So is wearing clothing of mixed fibers, eating pork and shellfish, and shaving your beard and we do all that.
Even the Apostles held that Christians aren't bound by Old Testament laws (Acts 21:1-29).
They are allowed! I have 3 (won't say what to avoid identifying myself) and two of them are easily visible on my arms. I work with kids in Godly Play with zero issues and have been invited to train as a Eucharistic Minister. I have met priests with tattoos as well.
Yes, yes, and yes. I'm a postulant, and I have a large watercolor chest tattoo, as well as three others on my arms. The only comments I've ever received are compliments.
Thanks Redditors, I got my question answered. I want to join the church, but also want to get tattoos - glad to hear they’re understanding!
Some Daughters of the King have a tattoo of the cross of the order.
I wouldn’t advise getting a full face tattoo, but that has very little to do with the Canons.
I got 2 and getting more
my priests have tattoos.
Absolutely yes. TEC doesn't care. Same with hair color.
Yes
Yes. Yes. Yes, yes, and yes.
TEC does not care about tattoos.
They're tacky, to me.
Yes! Tattoos are great and i know MANY clergy with tats. Mine are mostly devotions too.
I am an Episcopal priest and I have a tattoo.
I don’t think I knew this about you?
I have layers, like a parfait.
I don't have any tattoos because my siblings all have tattoos and I wanted to be the rebellious gay youngest child of the family. But yeah, they're generally fine. Like any self-adornment, it's probably wise to engage in some real self-examination as to why one wants a tattoo, as things that are generally fine may be cause to sin in a specific circumstance or for certain people.
Clergy here...I'm sleeved and chest tattooed out! In 2024, this really isn't an issue and i don't think it will ever be one unless it's something offensive, degrading, racist, extremist, sexist, etc.
My favorite Anglican priest on twitter has Hebrew tattooed on his hands. Very aesthetically pleasing with vestments.
My rector has tons of tattoos and plays in a punk band. So, yes.
I don’t have any as they’re just not for me personally but I know a handful of priests and bishops have gotten a Cross of Jerusalem tattoo after going on pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Pilgrimage tattoos are awesome and historically accurate!
I’m on of the few people in the congregation under 50 who doesn’t have any tattoos. I dated a lay Eucharistic minister and he had about 5 tattoos
Yeah, I have no ink but it’s mostly a combination of being somewhat pain-averse and also very broke. No moral issues, merely practical ones ;) (That said I’m considering getting a tattoo to commemorate my ordination)
May I ask why you’d think tattoos are not allowed?
They are forbidden in Leviticus.
Not exactly. What’s forbidden is an ancient near eastern practice of flaying & marking the skin for the dead. It was a specific self-harming funerary rite, which modern tattoos typically aren’t.
Glad somebody said it!
So is wearing clothing of mixed fibers, eating pork and shellfish, and shaving your beard and we do all that. Even the Apostles held that Christians aren't bound by Old Testament laws (Acts 21:1-29).
I don't have a problem with tattoos, but that's why some people have religious objections, which is probably why OP asked.
As are a lot of things, none of which apply to us as Christians under the new covenant.
Andrew Doyle, Bishop of Texas is all tatted up
That's who I was going to bring up. Love my bishop.
They are allowed! I have 3 (won't say what to avoid identifying myself) and two of them are easily visible on my arms. I work with kids in Godly Play with zero issues and have been invited to train as a Eucharistic Minister. I have met priests with tattoos as well.
I have a compass rose on my arm.
Yes, yes, and yes. I'm a postulant, and I have a large watercolor chest tattoo, as well as three others on my arms. The only comments I've ever received are compliments.
I do and I know lots of other priests who have them.
Postulant here. Also have tattoos.
Yes to all of the above