be vented (opened at the front), sleeveless, and worn over a cassock. The cassock, usually black (like its counterpart in the Church of England), also comes in blue (signifying the Royal Blue in the Flag of Scotland, which bears the Cross of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland), or scarlet red signifying a King"s Chaplain. This practice is sometimes followed by some English Methodists and American Presbyterians, although wearing the more familiar American-style gown, including wearing a black cassock in Roman or Anglican cut. Trends United or Uniting churches which contain an episcopalian element have in some countries (notably Australia; generally not in Canada) tended to abandon the Geneva gown in favor of the more symbolically ecumenical alb and cincture, whereas some non-united evangelical congregations have for various reasons done away with distinct ministerial dress altogether. Some rabbis and spiritual leaders of other non-Christian faiths have fashioned their modern religious garb patterned after the historic Geneva gown. Among the Paleo-orthodoxy and emerging church movements in Protestant and evangelical churches, particularly Methodist, Lutheran, and Presbyterian, many clergy are reclaiming not only the traditional Eucharist vestments of alb and chasuble, but also cassock and surplice (typically a full-length Old English style) with appropriate liturgical stole, and cassock and Geneva gown for a Liturgy or Service of the Word. References The Advent of the Use of the Geneva Gown in Public Worship by D.G. Laird, a United Church of Canada minister. A Defense of the Use of the Ministerial Robe in Public Worship by Jeff Myers, a teaching elder of the Presbyterian Church in America. Why does the minister wear a robe?, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Overland Park, Kan. Material History of American Religion Project: Ministerial Dress by Nolan B. Harmon — an advice book published in 1950 for young American clergy. Protestant vestments History of clothing (Western fashion) History of fashion Methodism Presbyterianism