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mystery worshipper home reports from the uk and ireland reports from the usa reports from australia and new zealand reports from canada reports from elsewhere famous and infamous reports comments and corrections
 
What is this?
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.
If you would like to become a Mystery Worshipper, start here.
See our archive of reports
Famous/infamous
UK & Ireland
USA
Oz & NZ
Canada
Elsewhere
 
 
Recent reports

> Perfunctory mass at St Mary's RC Cathedral, Edinburgh
> Texas High Church Evensong at Incarnation, Dallas, USA
> A glimpse of heaven: Worcester Cathedral, UK
> Mercy, grace and Indian food at Westbourne Grove, London
> No fuss, no muss at St Thomas's, Toronto, Canada

> Minnie Mouse and castor oil at Liverpool Cathedral, UK
> Old Blues Day at Christ's Hospital, Horsham, UK
> God-fearing people at St John's, Washington, DC
> Guinness & forgiveness: Theology on Tap, Alexandria, USA
> Omelets & hymns: Worship @ the Water, Perdido Key, USA

> Homey, sincere: Harmony Primitive Baptist, Matthews, USA
> Heartfelt and joyful: Ossington Avenue Baptist, Toronto
> Music impresses at Christ Church, Grosse Pointe, USA
> Not close to God at Brecon Cathedral, UK
> Lemon Pledge and touchy-feely at Holy Trinity, New York

> Crucifixion on Victoria Street: Walk of Witness, London
> Exquisite chanting at St Mary’s, Phoenix, USA
> Pomp and splendour at Dome of Home, New Brighton, UK
> John Knox wouldn't approve: First Presby, Royal Oak, USA
> Induction wants cheering up: St Mary the Virgin, Mold, UK

Editor's choice

> Crucifixion on Victoria Street: Walk of Witness, London
> Pomp and splendour at Dome of Home, New Brighton, UK
> Induction wants cheering up: St Mary the Virgin, Mold, UK
> Suffragan bishops consecrated at Southwark Cathedral, UK
> Bishop consecrated at St John the Divine, New York City

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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camino pilgrimage
The Mystery Pilgrim
One of our most seasoned reporters makes the Camino pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Read here.
mystery worshipper sunday
London churches
Read reports from 70 London churches, visited by a small army of Mystery Worshippers on one single Sunday. Read here.
 
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