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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.
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Camino Santiago de Compostela

Our special correspondent to one of Europe's most beloved and popular pilgrimages, the Camino Santiago de Compostela, has made the trek once again, this time visiting churches in France as well as Spain. Click here to read of his adventures.

Other new reports

> Over the top at St Agnes & St Pancras, Liverpool, UK
> Slick and loud: Longton Community Church, Penwortham, UK
> Book burning advocated at Birmingham Cathedral, USA
> Love in evidence at His House, Mayfield, USA
> Upbeat and informal: Mt Carmel & St Joseph, London

Recent reports

> Foghorn organ, wooden sermon: Sts Mary & David, Flint, UK
> Stuffed dog watches screen: Salvation Army, Sheffield, UK
> Friendly but lacklustre: North Road Methodist, Durham, UK
> Cut off at St Georgenkirche, Eisenach, Germany
> Sins disappear at Westbourne Park Baptist, London

> Liberace plays at Blessed Sacrament, Tolleson, USA
> Phalanx of servers at Sacred Heart, Battersea, UK
> No joy at Randalstown Free Presbyterian, UK
> Christ-centered Christmas mass: Sacred Heart, Ilkley, UK
> Emotional service but hard bench: Mona Baptist, Jamaica

> Friendly but noisy: Hope Church, Queanbeyan, Australia
> Perfunctory worship at Queen of Peace, Millville, USA
> Fine homily at Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, Spokane, USA
> Cold hands, warm welcome at Holy Trinity, Blacon, UK
> A lovely place to worship: Channelkirk, near Oxton, UK

Editor's choice

> Archbishop opens Advent: St Martin in the Fields, London
> Social justice preached at Occupy Wall Street, NYC
> Walsingham anniversary celebrated at York Minster, UK
> Homespun 9/11 commemoration: St Paul's Chapel, New York
> Loyal and faithful virger installed: St Paul's, London

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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