Unlocked churches

[BarryC]

I belong to two Yahoo groups for people who are interested in churches. They are called Churchcrawling and Churchpictures. They were founded by someone in England. Most of the members explore the medieval churches scattered around England. They go inside of them and check out the ancient monuments, pews, furnishings and architectural details. Some of the churches go back to the 11th and 12th centures. Some of the members also explore other churches too. Many of the Anglican parish churches are left unlocked. When they are locked, there is information provided about "keyholders", where you can go and ask for the key to let yourself in.

Okay, so I live in New Jersey, and I've been photographing churches here in NJ for more than 20 years. I used to be mostly interested in the older ones, but now I'm interested in any and all churches I find. Since I joined the two Yahoo groups I've become much more interested in seeing the inside of churches, and not just the outside.

So I have a question. I don't know if y'all can answer it or not, or if you have opinions on the subject. When I'm out photographing a church, if I try the door and find it unlocked, would it be appropriate for me to walk in? It seems strange to do that, even though in England they do it all the time, and not just with their cathedrals and parish churches. I'd love to take a photo of the inside of most of the churches I see, especially if there are stained glass windows, and maybe a pipe organ. There have been a few occasions where someone saw me taking pictures. Then we got to talking and that person asked if I'd like to see the inside. That doesn't happen much though.

Thanks for your help.
Barry

[Naturalized-Texan]

It seems to me that if a church is unlocked it's because the parishioners want people to able to enter to worship and/or pray at any time. I would say to go right in (you may want to say a little prayer as you enter).

[CzechPrince]

If it's unlocked, you're good to go. Many Churches lock up at night.

[irknow1]

UH, one word of caution.......if your in TEXAS and walk up
to a church and the door IS unlocked..........yamightwanna
thunk twiced about strolling in...................ever hear of
a "duck blind"? lotsafolks in Texas churches are armed
and dangerous.........................

(just a thought)

i.r. know 1

[BarryC]

Umm..... People in churches in Texas shoot visitors?? That doesn't sound too good. Of course I'm in New Jersey, so I guess I'm safe.
UH, one word of caution.......if your in TEXAS and walk up
to a church and the door IS unlocked..........yamightwanna
thunk twiced about strolling in...................ever hear of
a "duck blind"? lotsafolks in Texas churches are armed
and dangerous.........................

(just a thought)

i.r. know 1

[BarryC]

You know nowadays I think I'm a pretty outgoing guy, most times. But then when I'm out photographing churches (I'd love to see the inside of them too), I find myself afraid to try the door to see if it's unlocked. I think to myself, unconsciously I guess, that if I find the door unlocked I'll be afraid to walk in. So I just don't even try the door. I hate that. That's when I realize that I still have a shy side.

[irknow1]

yiou know, seriously, most churches have their phone number
posted outside.........got a cell phone?...............give 'em a call
and ask permission..................................'cours e I suscribe to
the old addage:

"it's better to DO IT and apologize later than to ask permission"

but then, you don't have to follow my example, I tend to be a
confrontationalist and aren't very shy..............sigh..............

i.r. know 1

[DoctorDoom]

"it's better to DO IT and apologize later than to ask permission""It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission."
-- RADM Grace Murray Hopper

[irknow1]

THANK YOU SIR DOOM.....................

I was in the neighborhood though.....................:):):)

i.r. know 1

[ThomasMore]

Wow! Admiral Hopper (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Hopper) was quite a lady.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0c/GraceHopper.jpg

A Navy computer programmer, she was a pioneer of the COBOL programming language, and it was her idea that programming languages should approximate English.

She was so dedicated, talented and hard-working that she was promoted to Commodore by special Presidential appointment, she received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, and she was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Her nickname was "Amazing Grace."

A U.S. Navy Destroyer in the Pacific Fleet, DDG-70 (http://www.hopper.navy.mil/), is named the USS Hopper after her, and also carries the moniker "Amazing Grace." It is one of very few U.S. Navy vessels named after women.

Good on her! May she rest in peace.

...Back to the regularly scheduled thread.

[2thePoint]

I've become much more interested in seeing the inside of churches, and not just the outside.

I think God is saying this too.