From Businessweek-Struggling to cover its costs, Washington National Cathedral has decided to begin charging an admission fee for tourists who visit the church beginning in 2014.
Cathedral officials said Monday that they will begin charging a $10 fee for adults and $6 for children, seniors and military members in January. Admission will be free on Sundays, as well as on weekdays for those who visit to worship or pray.
The Rev. Gary Hall, the Episcopal cathedral's dean, said the decision to charge a fee was made reluctantly. But he noted that the cathedrals of Europe charge fees to help fund their upkeep.
"All we are charging for is tourism essentially," Hall said. "We're not charging for the essential services of the cathedral."
Some in the cathedral's congregation, though, have been vocal in opposing the move, Hall said. "Nobody is excited, but most people understand it," he said.
The church is not aware of any other U.S. cathedrals that charge admission, spokesman Richard Weinberg said. Church officials looked to models in the United Kingdom, such as Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral, which do charge entry fees.
More here-
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2013-11-26/national-cathedral-in-dc-to-charge-tourist-fee
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