Non-Christian tourists attending church services such as evensong -- OK or not?
 

Maybe it's a matter of etiquette. As a non-believer, I felt like an intruder or pretender when I as a tourist sat in on evensong at Westminster Abbey in London years ago. We are headed there again in April, and my husband wants to attend evensong at Westminster Abbey. Not sure I feel comfortable.

Seems that attending services as a looky-loo tourist is different from being a guest at a church wedding or christening, with which I have no problems.

Relatedly, what about non-believing tourists who burn incense or ask for blessings from the gods at Buddhist, Hindu, or Taoist temples in Asia and Southeast Asia? Similar considerations of etiquette obtain?

What do you think?

I've never heard of a Christian church that objected to non-believers sitting in. Just don't take communion.

I have no idea about other religions, however.

As long as you behave repectfully, I see no problem. I think believers always hope that some part of the service would "speak" to a visitor's heart.

I agree with ellenem. Behaving respectfully is the key. I attended a church service at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and people would be walking along the 'sides', take pictures and videos (like it's a performance!), and talk while the mass was being held. They barricaded the people attending mass and the people sightseeing. BUT, a few still go in between the pews and take photos--during mass!

Buddhists would have no objection. I don't know of any mainstream Christian sect that would object.

Unless is a Mormom Church..I dont think they like or permit the outsiter to worship in their Temple..

I agree with the privious posters. As long as you are respectful and do not treat the services as some sort of tourist attraction or amusement (look, look they're singing for us now, get it on film!!), please "join" in.
Our family is religious and attends services weekly. When we travel we try to attend Mass and for us it is both an extensionof out practice AND a cultural learning experience for all of us.
far too often poeple (not just Americans) enter places of worship and BEHAVE as if the building is just another tourist attaction. While this might be true for some, it is rather disrespectful to those who worship in the "old building with cool art , pretty windows and such pretty music."
In short: please attend and know that you are welcome as long as you treat the house of worship, the service and the participants with respect. (And then go back LATER and take photos, etc........)

In fact most Christian churches welcome non-believers in hopes that the message of the music will bring them into the flock.

Besides, if I'm not mistaken, BBC radio broadcasts evensong from Westminster every week.

I can speak to Hindu services as I have attended some with a Hindu friend and have felt absolutely welcome. I agree with the others that as long as you are respectful of where you are, there should be no problem. Don't be like the people I encountered in the Vatican (fellow americans I might add) that spent the entire time criticizing the Catholic church as they were touring the Vatican.

Christaianity is a prosletyzing religion I'm sure they'd be happy to have you there...the only thing that would drive me crazy are people who think it's ok to drift in and out during a church service.

I'm not a Christian and I have gone to Christian services occasionally for cultural reasons, as well as to help my mother who was Christian. She wanted to go and couldn't go on her own due to physical ailments, so I went with her, as well as her wanting to introduce me to her friends, etc.

I've never heard of any religion that bans people who don't believe in that exact same religion from the service (maybe Mormons, as noted, I don't know about them). I've been to Jewish services although I'm not officially one, and there were priests there attending and nobody kicked them out (I think they were seminary students who were supposed to learn something about Judaism).

IN reality, it is not good for people to be so close-minded that they refuse to learn about other religions. There's nothing wrong with attending services outside celebrations, it would probably be a good idea if more people did that.

I don't agree that one should act as a looky-loo tourist during them, I agree with that -- if that means taking photos and treating it like a zoo.

I don't ask for blessings or do anything I don't personally believe in.

Respect is definitely the key. I remember the verger in Westminister Abbey telling us that the Dean had banned photographs in the church after seeing a group of 3 tourists up in the pulpit, snapping away.

Going to Evensong is a wonderful way to experience a church as a working institution, along with hearing liturgical music as it was meant to be heard.

I see nothing wrong with attending Evensong if you're not Christian. One time in Paris I visited the Mosque simply to see the building. That was no less a good reason than yours. I've also attended services in England and I'm not Prostestant. Many churches have non-religious concerts and everyone is free to attend the concerts. Why should Evensong be different simply because it is a religious service.

A church is open to everyone no matter what they believe in. No one will ask you why you're there so there is no pretense. You're there to enjoy a quiet half hour of sung prayer and what you do with that prayer is your business and no one elses.

People take this religion thing far too seriously. I have gone to Catholic services with my wife on specific occasions. I felt like Claude Levi-Strauss or somebody watching the quaint customs of the superstitious locals. When they gave communion, I asked my wife why they were handing out Pringles to everyone. She thought it amusing and was not offended at all. As long as you aren't being disruptive, what's the problem?

By all means - go. Local parishoners are always pleased that others are interested in their services, even if it just for the music. Just dress as you would for a christening or wedding. And please - plan to leave your camera behind.

If going to a Christian service makes you uncomfortable, I suggest you don't go. No-one is compelled to go. But if you do end up going because of your husband or for any other reason, then etiquette comes in and respectable behaviour is expected. Only you can decide.

We love having visitors in our church. I can't imagine Westminster Abbey would be any different.

If you are uncomfortable, just mention to the nearest usher that you are a visitor and they will take wonderful care of you because they will want you to feel welcome.

Go and enjoy the singing.

i'd say that if platzer wasn't struck down by a lightening bolt, you'll be fine.....

how would you think that anyone would know that you are a "non-believer".....??? do you have horns from the back of your head stamped "fodorite"...

you would be welcomed in any place of worship i believe....some restrict entrance to known individuals, but in western countries this is not usually a problem....

My guess is you'd be welcomed, but from your post it seems you don't feel comfortable participating. That would be important to me (how you feel).

I'd call myself a 'non-believer' as well, but have enjoyed the peace of sitting in an empty church, quietly observing, participating in a holiday service, giving a contribution, lighting candles for my dead loved-ones in many different countries.