Question first appeared on April 29, 2007
I think it is time to address the cell phone issue.  During Holy Week phones could be heard during services.  A sign in the vestibule should be made stating, “Enter to Worship.  Quiet Please!  Turn off all cell phones!”  Most offices, hospitals, etc. have signs posted as such... etc., etc., etc.

I would request that all who come to St. George Cathedral for worship would heed your point.  It is a matter of common courtesy when attending a meeting, lecture, play, musical performance or any public gathering to turn off one’s cell phone.  How much more so when entering a church for the purpose of prayer and worship?

The only exception to this rule/requirement would be granted to medical or emergency personnel who might be “on call.”  In those instances it would be appropriate for them to set their phones on “silent” mode or “vibrate.”  And, when sensing a call those individuals would do well to exit the sanctuary first before answering the phone in a quiet voice.

So, to all who have cell phones with them at church services, make sure that they are turned off.  If you are “on call” medical or emergency personnel, please set your phone to “silent” mode or “vibrate.”

©Very Rev. Fr. Olof Scott, Sunday Bulletin, April 29, 2007
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