Q&A Home > V > Veil

During church, why should women cover their heads?

1 Corinthians 11:1-16 is the most referenced scripture regarding women covering their heads during prayer. The next section of that same chapter talks about one's conduct towards the holy Eucharist, the institution of the Holy Eucharist, and self examination. Covering the head is showing respect to the Holy Spirit Who is the inspiration for every part of the holy Bible and present in every prayer.
 
Other references by church fathers and bible scholars can also be found in the book "The Scandal of Gender". Some reflections discuss how before the 1960's and the feminist movement, modesty in the east and west was typical of women who wore hats or scarves when out in public.
 
It is not befitting for Christian women to be spiritually and biblically negligent by discarding modesty and obedience. We encourage women and girls in our church to imitate the obedience of St. Mary who observed every law and commandment without hesitation or resentment.