Katy Dickinson

U2Charist - How to Be a Perfect Stranger

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On August 28, 2008, I wrote a blog entry called "Make Poverty History" about "U2Charist" - the U2 music and worship service which will be at 7 pm tonight (20 September) at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church (13601 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga, CA). The funds offered at the event will benefit Peter Kithene's project Mama Maria Kenya, and Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD).

For some, it is nothing special to go to a Christian church for a service or event, but for others this is a strange and scary prospect. For them, I have a book to recommend:

How to Be a Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook 4th Edition, Editors: Stuart M. Matlins, Arthur J. Magida (Skylight Paths Publishing, 2006), ISBN-10: 1594731403, ISBN-13: 978-1594731402

I have the 1999 book by the same authors: How to Be a Perfect Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies. I have found this book helpful when attending religious celebrations outside of my experience.

The chapter on Episcopalian and Anglican includes "Guest Behavior During the Service" such as:

"...a guest who is not Episcoplaian/Anglican [is]...expected to stand and kneel with the congregation, read prayers aloud and sing with the congregants, if this does not compromise their personal beliefs. If one does not wish to kneel, sit when the congregants do so..."

and "General Guidelines and Advice" such as:

"Episcopalians/Anglicans are quite diverse - socially, racially, and ethnically. Generally, they rejoice in this diversity and celebrate it. ... What represents 'good manners' at home would be considered 'good manners' in church. Politeness is the key. Appearing overly reserved or non-communicative - which can imply disapproval - is a typical mistake that guests can avoid...."

Posted at 10:47AM Sep 20, 2008 by katysblog in Church  |