Columnist: Don't pay for entry at Anglican cathedrals
July 28, 2011
Columnist William Oddie of London's Catholic Herald reports that some Anglican cathedrals are charging admission fees for tourists, in order to meet their maintenance costs.
Oddie is willing to help defray the costs, but he is not willing to pay for entry into a house of worship--especially not one that was built by Catholics and seized by Anglicans.
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Posted by: msgrjuan -
Jul. 29, 2011 1:14 AM ET USA
I recently visited The Basilica of Notre Dame in Montreal and was appalled to find a money changer stationed in front of the main door collecting $5.00 per adult/$4.00 per child for entrance to the church. An additional fee was required for the guided tour. When I identified myself as a priest and complained, I was told I could enter without paying. I informed the money changer that I had already paid, but that the poor had to identify themselves as such to enter God's house was reprehensible.
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Posted by: stpetric -
Jul. 28, 2011 7:47 PM ET USA
Yes, a number of Anglican cathedrals have charged admission (to at least parts of their building, such as domes or crypts), and have for many years. But to be clear, they do not charge at service times. I find Oddie's recommendation to be arrogant and incomprehensible. Charging a token fee seems an entirely legitimate way to generate the revenue needed to maintain these buildings.
