With all due respect
Sir: Sir Alfred Sherman is right about most points expounded in his article 'The great plague of London' (17 August), particularly when it comes to tourists flouting the most ele- mentary rules of behaviour when in churches. In some Continental countries, however — such as Spain, where I lived for some years — this very seldom happens, owing to an instilled sense of respect for places of worship. This respect is not just instilled but strictly enforced at all times.
An example is the magnificent Burgos cathedral, in a sad state of disrepair and very much in need of tourist fees to help its refurbishment. Even so, tourists are only allowed in on small guided tours — presided over by knowledgeable and dig- nified locals who really know the history of the place — and never during times of worship. Should any tourist wish to take advantage of worship hours to escape pay- ing the entrance fee, there is no choice but to sit quietly in a pew and follow the Mass. Any signs of restlessness, noise etc. are discouraged by the priest and congregation.
Another example can be found in Tole- do, where the cathedral is open to all free of charge, and there is always a mass or ser- vice going on at one of its many chapels. But, again, such is the instilled respect that locals and tourists alike have — or are made to feel — for churches that they move around quietly and in a dignified way at all times.
I cannot imagine why something along lines similar to the Burgos cathedral ones cannot be adopted in most churches in Lon- don. The cost would be minimal, but would attract mostly the more sophisticated tourists who would wish to pay for visits, and every- body would derive real pleasure from their visits to church — be it for cultural purposes or for worship — at all times.
Jose Eduardo Garcia
Rua Victor Cordon, 37, 1200 Lisbon, Portugal
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