I have previously posted on the way the tabloid press has successfully rebranded the clergy as frequently grossly immoral, which is one reason among many for why I do not wear a dog collar.
Another reason I do not wear one is that people don’t mask their sin when I first meet them because they don’t know I am clergy. When they find out that I am a vicar, it causes shock, apologies and great looks of guilt when they’ve said or done something in front of me that they know is wrong.
I once visited a parishioner in a care home. During my visit, two nurses were talking about him behind his back in disparaging language thinking that he couldn’t hear or understand. I have played golf with people who happily swear on their way around the course until they ask what I do. I am treated like a normal customer at various counters, until I write down my address or give my job title.
But why should people think that they need to behave well when near a man with a piece of white plastic in his collar yet not in anyone else’s company?
Transforming Grace 
Chappo tells the story of how he played tennis with someone for many months, and one day they found out he was a clergyman.
“Why didn’t you tell me this before”?
“I didn’t think it had much to do with playing tennis?”
“Well… have I done anything wrong?”
“I don’t know, have you?”