Fr. Erich wrote:
  
Brothers,

Below are the first two paragraphs of an article on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, March 10, 2004.

HOUSES OF WORSHIP ARE REACHING OUT TO A FLOCK OF PETS

"Purr Box Goes to Communion at St. Francis Episcopal..."
<snip>
. . . . its just weird.

Blessings,
Erich+

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Fr. Erich+
 
I thought dogs in church was part of the Anglican tradition.

Bp Clavier, commenting on church furniture once said that the reason  communion rails were installed in English churches was to keep the dogs from peeing on the altar.   8-)

Anyways, thinking of recent American antics, wouldn't it be more seemly for his grace to consort with Old Spot than Old Sport? 

Below is a BBC article regarding pets in church.

Charles+

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4 October, 2003, 15:42 GMT 16:42 UK  

 
Church holds pet blessing
  
The blessings are to mark the day of the patron saint of pets 
Animals including cats, dogs and even a pet iguana were blessed by a vicar at a special church service. 

Saturday's unusual event at the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Sedgley, Dudley, West Midlands, marked the day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of pets. 

Reverend Elizabeth Smith said the service, which began at 1500 BST, was the second at the church, following last year's blessing of 30 pets. 

Ms Smith said: "We even had an iguana last time. We also had a pair of snails. I encourage people with all types of pets to turn up." 

Ms Smith, who has two cats of her own, said pets were an increasingly important part of peoples' lives and the Church should try to reflect this. 

"One of the problems we have in the Church is that we are often seen as out of touch. 

"People feel very strongly about animals and pets, so I feel this is an important occasion for them."