Letter to the editor: Get rid of pews

Notes: "It's worth pointing out that most of the tips ('Tips for making your church dementia-friendly', anglicanjournal.com, Jan. 15, 2018) don't just make things easier for seniors, but also for newcomers. I might suggest further that church accessibility can be improved by eliminating pews, and having seating available only for people who need it. I recently visited an Eastern Orthodox church that had moved all its nice old pews to the edges of the room, and had chairs or cushions available for those who wanted them. I was stunned at how it allowed everyone to move more freely in worship, particularly anyone in a wheelchair. Teens could fulfill their rebellious streak by sitting on the floor. It also turns out that it's what everyone did before the 15th century anyway, so traditionalists should have no grounds to protest". [Text of entire article.]

Subjects: Church buildings - Access for the physically disabled - Canada; Church buildings - Anglican Church of Canada; Seating (Furniture) - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Pews and pew rights - Anglican Church of Canada