Why in the world do we have clowns in church? The first week in August is International Clown Week, as proclaimed by Richard Nixon, and Public Law 91-443 passed by the 91st Congress. Clowns are invited to Hickory Neck as part of the Clown Week celebration and to receive a blessing for their ministry.

Clowns from central Virginia, Virginia Beach and locations in between gathered on Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 at Hickory Neck Episcopal Church for the 9th Annual Blessing of the Clowns. Hosted by Kolonial Klowns of Williamsburg – Alley #357 and the congregation of Hickory Neck Church, clowns received a special Blessing from The Reverend Michael L. Delk. Immediatley following the service, Kolonial Klowns hosted a reception in the Parish Hall. Clowns and parishioners enjoyed food and fellowship. See more photos

Most of the clowns present are liturgical clowns, and they have a tradition of being silent. There are others who are birthday party clowns, face-painting clowns, and hospital clowns, and they do not have a tradition of silence, but of making joyful noises!

The clown is as old as humanity and exists in all cultures. They serve by embodying both the vulnerability and the hopefulness of human life. Liturgical clowns have a long and proud tradition from the early church, dating back to St.Symeon of Emesis, in the years of Justinian, St.Andreas of Constantinople (9th-10th century), St.Thomas the Fool-for-Christ (11th century), up to St.Ivan of Moscow (16th century).

Liturgical clowns pantomimed the Bible stories and also served as “divine interrupters.” As the institutional Church became more formal the clowns disappeared from the services. In recent years liturgical clowning has made a comeback, due in part to an increasing need to reconnect to our past. Today liturgical clowns help the Church restore an atmosphere of festivity and celebration to worship. They are childlike servants within our worship. These clowns symbolize for us the joy, love, hope and servanthood of a life in Jesus Christ.

The white face of the liturgical clown is a symbol of death; it can be considered the death of the clown’s “plain clothes” personality. The vibrant colors applied over the white show the certainty of resurrection; a new personality is born, a clown personality. Besides the white base, and the make-up to highlight and exaggerate facial features, liturgical clowns traditionally wear a solitary red mark somewhere on their face. This represents the kiss of the Holy Spirit, or, for some, the blood of Christ who died for us.

When liturgical clowns begin applying make-up, they give away the power to speak. By doing this, they become vulnerable. Yet the silent clowns continue to convey God’s love in a nonverbal way.

St. Paul challenges us to be “fools for Christ’s sake.” As fools we allow ourselves to become vulnerable enough to risk rejection but continue to love unconditionally. Weak and bumbling clowns lift other persons to positions of worth. Their silent, child-like behavior offers new images of God. The clown affects a world without logic where problems and burdens are exchanged for liberation and joy. God – through clowns – can bring His healing grace.

A Clown Blessing
“O blessed Lord, guide your servants in their practice of clowning, that each may be a vessel of your love. Endow them with our Spirit to persevere in exposing your Truth in ways accessible to all. Empower them to establish mercy by being fools for Christ. And the blessing of God Almighty: the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you and dwell with you always. Amen.” – The Rev. Michael L. Delk

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