Attending church

Didn’t attend there, rather at St. James palace where a couple of Duchess Kate’s children were baptized. The regulars were dressed up. The few tourists attending wore docker type slacks and polo type shirts for the males and the females wore dresses. For where we went, jeans would have been inappropriate.

We would not wear jeans to church -- but dockers or black pants and nice blouse?

Some people dress, in all honesty most don’t.

Have seen cargo shorts, mini skirts, jeans, tee shirts, slacks, skirts, leggings , etc.

What do you wear to church at home?

I'd wear the nicest clothes I brought on the trip, which for me would be khaki pants, a collared checked shirt, and whatever outerwear the weather requires. And I'd sit near the back so as not to disturb regular worshippers or those who might be dressed better.

I don't know about the church at St. James's or who was baptized where, but St. Paul's is a stunning cathedral and a service there would be a great experience. I attended part of evensong a few years ago and it was wonderful. I'm sure the same would be true of Westminster Abbey or any of the Wren churches.

Nice jeans will be fine. I usually bring along one pair of khakis, but I’ve worn nice dark coloured jeans as well. A place like St Paul’s is going to get a lot of tourists anyway, so many of your pewmates are going to also be visitors.

Warm shoes/boots and good socks. A good coat. Anything else will be hidden! Emma’s right - it’ll be cold.

This is a photo of the (current) U.K. Prime Minister attending church yesterday with her husband.
[1] [1]: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3694295/Theresa-takes-break-whirlwind-start-PM-attend-Sunday-church-husband-Philip-side.html

The man walking behind, also casually dressed, is almost certainly her personal police officer. If dresing like that, with the press watching, is OK for them, you could wear something similar.

Actually this is her at church yesterday. You’ll note she’s wearing jeans, as she often does to church. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/theresa-may-attends-constituency-church-101701960.html

St Paul’s is more high church than a local parish church of Theresa May’s in Berkshire.

I wouldn’t wear jeans or sneakers to church nor t shirts or sweat shirts with logos emblazoned across them. They tend to be cold buildings, so wear something warm.

Actually this is her at church yesterday.

actually in 2016.

Nevertheless, nobody cares as long as it is acceptable.

Dress like Compo, maybe not.

Not to argue Nigel, but my link went to 31 March 2019 because she’s wearing the inner layer of that very peculiar two-layer coat she’s been wearing for the Brexit talks, in some kind of complicated coat-related metaphor.

when I clicked your link and looked at the byline it said 2016

or I now see I clicked Bob's link just above yours., I haven't clicked on your yahoo one

The key is the story spoke about the start of her Brexit plans....

I'd say "business casual" would work. We tend to dress conservatively when traveling to Europe - nice slacks and shirts with button down collars.

We attended a boys choir performance at Evensong on a Wednesday night at St. Paul's. It is certainly not necessary, but the service was meaningful to us since we are a member of the Anglican Church (Episcopalians). We felt right at home.

Thanks everyone!

We never pass up an opportunity to attend evensong-so far have attended evensong in York, Durham, Salisbury, and Cambridge.

Hopefully, the church members will welcome you to their worship service without regard to the clothes you are wearing. If they make you feel less welcome because of the clothes you are wearing - shame on them - not you.

I've attended Sunday services at St Paul's and feel free to wear whatever you like; the ushers won't block you. Plenty of tourists attend Mattins and the Sung Eucharist. I think it is respectful to wear slacks/pants or a skirt as opposed to shorts for you and your children.

Hopefully, the church members will welcome you to their worship service without regard to the clothes you are wearing. If they make you feel less welcome because of the clothes you are wearing - shame on them - not you.

I agree with you in principle. Our little Episcopal church welcomes all. We had a homeless man appear at our 8:30 service in clothes that not only were worn and dirty but also sopping wet. He had walked from town in the rain. In addition to welcoming him, one parishioner went home and brought him back dry clothes. We then got in touch with some community help when a psychologist in the congregation assessed he needed some professional help.

Be that as is may, St. Paul's is a place with such history that in order to honor those who sacrificed so much, especially during the bombing of London, we should dress appropriately. I know I'm a fuddy-duddy, but I grow weary of seeing American tourists dressed like they are going to Walmart instead if some of Western Civilization's most historic sites. They should be ashamed!

DougMac - And I agree with you in principle. I still cringe at the memory of a group of American tourists ignoring the barriers placed at the American cemetery at Omaha Beach to get a look at Teddy Roosevelt's grave - with the men wearing wife-beaters and basketball shorts. And that was outside!

But - clothing is just one aspect of showing respect. I put more value on behavior.

But - clothing is just one aspect of showing respect. I put more value on behavior.

I'm with you there. Sometimes it is hard to keep perspective. I would imagine (and hope) the vast majority of Americans who visit Europe are well behaved. Unfortunately, the boorish really stand out.

I come from a different age and culture. I grew up in the South in the '50s. My mother's side of the family were "Southern Genteel" and emphasized education and proper manners. It's a past I can't escape, nor want to. Of course, I can't help but thing of Mrs. Bucket.

If you are Protestant, make it really interesting & go to London Cathedral (Catholic). ST Paul's if you are Catholic

If you are into classical music, St Martin's-in-the-Fields