In Circular 41-02/08, the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) was provided with guidance and direction regarding the wearing of a habit by Secular Franciscans.

In the opinion of the Juridical Commission, Secular Franciscans were reminded that their apostolate is the personal witness that they offer to the society in which they live - in their families, in their workplaces, in their local communities and in the Church. This witness must be recognized by others through the way in which they live and love each other as brothers and sisters ("see how they love one another"). It is this witness that is to be the "sign" of the Secular Franciscan presence in the world, not any habit, dress or uniform. The Juridical Commission also reminded Secular Franciscans that a "habit" is the sign of the religious friar, not the secular. The SFO General Constitutions further remind us that "The secular state characterizes our spirituality and our apostolic life and is expressed according to our respective conditions; that is, contributing to building up the Kingdom of God by our presence in life-situations and in temporal activities" (CC. GG. 3,1-2).

With respect to wearing a habit within the Secular Franciscan Order, the opinion of the Juridical Commission is clear. Local fraternities of the SFO must not use a habit as part of their fraternal way of life and should not practise the rite of "taking the habit" in admitting new candidates. Rare exceptions to this direction is provided for fraternities who have been in existence for hundreds of years (ie. "ancient" fraternities) and whose fraternal life has included the wearing of a habit as part of their fraternal way of life, based on their spiritual and cultural history. Permission to wear a habit is provided in these circumstances as a rare exception based on a long history and tradition. However, this exception is not intended to imply that, if some fraternities wished to go back to the days when habits were permitted, other exceptions could be granted. As a general rule, the wearing of a habit by Secular Franciscans is not permitted.

In addressing this subject, reference should be made to the SFO Rule (Article 23) which states that "... the distinctive Franciscan sign (is) regulated by the statutes." The General Constitutions (Article 43) further state that "The national statutes establish ... the distinctive sign of membership in the Order (the "Tau" or other Franciscan symbol)." And, in most countries, National Statutes specify that the distinctive sign for Secular Franciscan is a form of the Tau cross. It is also important to note that all Secular Franciscans within a nation fall under the jurisdiction of the National Fraternity of that nation, irrespective of the Province of friars who established the fraternity and are bound by the provisions of their respective National Statutes.

"The Juridical Commission of the CIOFS Presidency is of the opinion that, in obedience to the Rule, the Constitutions and the Ritual, local Fraternities of the SFO cannot continue practising the rite of "taking the habit" in admitting new candidates, who in turn, must not use a habit, under the responsibility of the respective Councils and Ministers. It insists, furthermore, that each National Council of the constituted fraternities is responsible for ascertaining that the distinctive sign established by their National Statutes is respected and that each of the provisional National Councils are respectful of the decision taken in the Chapter. The above mentioned sign must be in harmony with the secularity of the SFO." (Circular 41-02/08, dated May 28, 2006)

For more information on this subject, please consult the CIOFS website at http://www.ciofs.org/circ/pva6en41.html.http://www.ciofs.org/circ/pva6en41.html.