Wearing trousers (or not)

Canon Musiime’s exam was given on a Saturday, and when I reported to the office to get the exam and the exam books, both our administrative assistants were in trousers.  I was shocked.  I had never seen any of them in trousers before.

When I asked what occasion led to this, they informed me that it was the weekend, so they could wear trousers.  Trousers for women are allowed in the dress code, though most of the women on staff wear skirts, as the culture still dictates that is the appropriate dress for women.

Once I recovered from the shock of seeing them in trousers, I asked whether I could wear trousers on the weekend.  I thought it was a valid question, though I strongly suspected that the answer to be no:  I’m a priest, and women priests don’t wear trousers. 

I had to ask the question four times before they answered, and I was correct.  I can’t wear trousers.  As Gertrude put it:  “your mother [the former dean] would get you.”

I think that sums it up nicely.