The Teaching Corner

The white robe worn by pastors, acolytes, and other worship leaders is called an alb (which comes from the Latin word for “white”).  Albs are typically worn in Lutheran worship services by those worship assistants seated in the chancel area (the raised, tiled portion of the sanctuary where the altar and pulpit are located, bordered by the Communion or Altar rail) and those involved in the processional or recessional (whether they are seated in the chancel area or not).  The only reason the assisting minister at Redeemer doesn’t also wear an alb like the acolytes and pastor, is that we haven’t had large enough albs for most of our assisting ministers.

 While some people assume that these albs designate leadership authority with in worship, in actuality they are baptismal garments.  Traditionally those people being baptized will wear an alb, or other white garment, for white is symbolic for the new life found in the cleansing waters of baptism.  Hence this is why babies often wear a white baptismal gown at their baptism.  (Adults being baptized would traditionally be dressed in an alb immediately following the baptism.)  It is also why we strongly encourage those being confirmed to wear white, since they are affirming their baptism.

Therefore the alb, above all its other meanings is symbolic of baptism and baptismal identity.  An alb identifies a person as a baptized Christian and, by covering up a person’s clothes, it makes this identity their primary identity.  In other words, albs, far from setting worship leaders apart or above the rest of the congregation, emphasize the common baptismal identity that all Christians share.  Albs cover up a person’s social status that can be indicated by the clothes they wear, instead making the point that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.  It is especially helpful for worship leaders to wear albs, because their very actions in the leadership of worship might otherwise elevate their status.  However there is only one status in the Christian family that counts:  being a baptized Child of God.