IT IS GOOD TO ASK OF SPIRITUAL AND THEOLOGICAL MEANINGS OF OUR ANGLICAN HERITAGES BEFORE WE BEGIN TO CONDEMN THEM. SPIRITUAL MEANING OF DOG COLLAR . Spiritually it has become representative of a priest’s consecration to God and his role as someone set apart for priestly service. Some priests see it as a symbol of their “slavery” to God, showing the world who is their true Master. Additionally, because many priests find it rather uncomfortable, the collar has become a way of performing a daily penance to God, offering up the sacrifice for the people the priest serves. The collar remains a distinctive sign of the priest’s availability and the permanent nature of Holy Orders. The priest “is not his own” and is a visible sign of Jesus Christ, presenting Himself as the Master. As the owner of the dog takes the dog anywhere. The theological implications are to bark against evil and total obedience to God as dog usually does. - Archdeacon Toba Olatunji This post first appeared here
The Musings of an Anglican Priest.