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What is this?
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Since ancient times (ok, 1998), Ship of Fools has been sending Mystery Worshippers to churches worldwide. Travelling incognito, they ask those questions which go to the heart of church life: How long was the sermon? How hard the pew? How cold was the coffee? How warm the welcome?

The only clue they have been there at all is the Mystery Worshipper calling card, dropped discreetly into the collection plate.
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If you would like to become a Mystery Worshipper, start here.
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See our archive of reports
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Famous/infamous
UK & Ireland
USA
Oz & NZ
Canada
Elsewhere
 
 
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Recent reports

> Stranger not welcomed at St Marks Cathedral, Seattle, USA
> Hugs and a waltz at St Pauls, Sacramento, USA
> Well behaved trompette at Trinity Cathedral, Phoenix, USA
> Dedication remembered: Little Flower Shrine, Royal Oak, USA
> Nice Prayer Book evensong: St John's Cathedral, Hong Kong

> Hats on at Calvary Chapel Living Hope, Oceanside, USA
> Unclean hands at Grace and Holy Trinity, Kansas City, USA
> Few gentlemen at St Andrew's, Gaylord, USA
> Church ruined! St Hilarys, Wallasey, Wirral, UK
> Peace and quiet at Holy Trinity with St Mary, Berwick, UK

> Savor the moment: San Miguel Mission, Socorro, USA
> Compromise at St Mary the Virgin, Lindisfarne, UK
> Noisy church: St Christopher's, Pensacola, USA
> Resurrection and popcorn at Spirit of Grace, Surprise, USA
> Great music at Cathedral of Sts Simon & Jude, Phoenix, USA

> Spotted but not greeted at St James, Cheboygan, USA
> Brilliant acolytes at Our Lady & St Cuthbert's, Berwick, UK
> No donkey, no sermon at St James, Christleton, UK
> Talking about Jesus at St Johns, Southampton, USA
> Roses & peregrine falcons: Reveal of the Tomb of Richard III

Editor's choice

> Dedication remembered: Little Flower Shrine, Royal Oak, USA
> Roses & peregrine falcons: Reveal of the Tomb of Richard III
> Pure spiritual delight: St Patrick's, Saul, County Down, UK
> Politics and dancing at Down Cathedral, Downpatrick, UK
> Bishop Suffragan of Burnley consecrated: York Minster, UK

Comments, corrections and removals

For the latest comments on and corrections to Mystery Worshipper reports, please go here. Reports over two years old can be removed at the request of the church reviewed. Please email here for further details.

 
 
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Easter 2015
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Our Mystery Worshippers had a busy Holy Week: being poked with umbrellas, spotted but ignored, taking in glorious polyphony, and hearing the Resurrection compared to popcorn! Read all about how they got through it.

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Christmas 2014
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On Christmas Day 2014, our Mystery Worshippers ding-donged merrily their way to both of Liverpool's cathedrals as well as to churches in New Zealand, Arizona, Colorado and Texas. Read all about how the herald angels sang for them.

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Love Jesus and his gospel
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Our MW team attends the ordination to the priesthood, and previous to that the profession of final vows and ordination to the diaconate, of our Shipmate Hart and his fellow seminarian Patrick. Share in the joy of the day from our special vantage point.

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The Mystery Pilgrim
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One of our most seasoned reporters makes the Camino pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Read here.
 
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