The Humiliati were a fraternal group or mostly Crane Theological Seminarians at Tufts University formed in the late 1940's to revitalize the Universalist Church and modernize its theology. Tufts University was originally a Universalist institution of higher education and had one of the only two Universalist theological seminaries. The other was at St. Lawrence University in upper New York State. Both of these were closed after the amalgamation of the Unitarians and Universalists in 1962. The Humiliati set out to counteract the inertia and complacency which they perceived to be smothering post-1945 Universalism. The "emergent Universalism" which they espoused was a curious and sometimes contradictory blend of religion that was "functional, naturalistic, theistic, and humanistic," simultaneously invoking the past and projecting the future. Theologically, they represented at one and the same a casting back to the historical role of Universalism as interpreted by Hosea Ballou and a call for a new and bold cutting edge for religion in which a new, enlarged, and eclectic Universalism would be a moving force.

They emphasized symbols of religion and they felt that true worship was an emotional experience. They wore the clerical collar at all times during their professional roles as Universalist ministers. Dr. Gaines told me about his Universalist minister father-in-law (still alive at 94) who did the same. He was once given a speeding ticket on Maundy Thursday and wore his collar to court. The judge was incensed at the policeman for giving the minister a ticket and threw the case out!

This past summer I spent in a Clinical Pastoral Education course at a VA in Oregon. The Episcopal priest, the woman Lutheran seminarian, and the woman Methodist seminarian all wore clerical collars to give the required 3 created chapel services as did I. They also wore them during their chaplain rounds at their assigned hospitals. I purchased it from a Lutheran website bookstore. We were told that if a chaplain wore either a clerical collar or stole during their hospital visits, the interruptions by hospital staff of their spiritual visits were cut down 90%!!! I experienced this when I visited one or our elderly members in a local retirement home. Several people were headed our way, but then redirected themselves and one was coming to give him medication, but verbally changed her time to catch him at dinner--which she did , as he had also asked me to stay for dinner.. I had asked him if I could wear the collar when making the appointment to see him, and he said OK.

Today, clerical collars are rarely used by our clergy, but I have seen their use. They emit certain universally recognized visual clues which may be of assistance when we have limited time. In certain settings--like in public witness settings, as well as hospital and hospice settings, they may be invaluable. Rarely, the families may request them at memorial services and possibly even weddings. In these settings, I will probably wear mine.

Whosoever wishes to know about the world must learn about it in its particular details.
In searching for the truth be ready for the unexpected.
The same road goes both up and down.
Not I, but the world says it: all is one.

Heraklietos of Ephesos

Blessed Be, Terry