>>>The only respectful way to attend a religious service is to be there with the intention of participating in some way, not just to view the building<<<

But attending mass <b>is</b> participating. No one is suggesting it's a good idea to visit a church during mass in order to wonder around and snap photos.

I do go there as a worshiper and as a learner. I love to experience attending a church being used for its real purpose rather than going just as a sightseer being rushed through in a crowd of people taking photos and talking loudly. I am not Catholic but I have come to respect and appreciate the Catholic church because I do attend Mass in beautiful historic churches.

I am Anglican/Episcopalian and do attend beautiful old Anglican churches for the same reason I go to services at St. Peter's or St. Mark's.