Washington National Cathedral has a full and active membership that busies itself with various social justice activities. But remembering that this is a church can be a bit difficult, with so much going on. For those of us who aren't members, it feels more like an experience. The cathedral is on the order of St. Patrick's in New York City or Westminster Abbey in London. It has a long and interesting history, it's huge and tours are available. If you're going to attend services on a holiday, you'll probably have to wait on line outside and you might wind up in a hard wooden chair near the back, behind a pillar. (except for New Year's Day, when the service is small and abbreviated). The tours are interesting, particularly the stories behind all the various chapels. Some are lavish. One holds no more than eight people! There is a gift shop with religiously themed objects -- CDs, cards, books, Bibles - of course -- decorations, and there also is a small cafe as well as a greenhouse. Parking always seems to be adequate on the grounds or on the street in the surrounding neighborhood.
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