This really isn’t so complicated. The best people to judge what might be offensive in a particular worship service are those who embrace that faith, ponder its meaning, take part in its sacraments and live by its precepts.

If I wanted to experience a Jewish Passover, I’d ask my Jewish potential hosts first if it was permitted, and then what might be expected from a Christian. If I were curious to enter a mosque and observe the rites of worship, I’d be scrupulously careful to check the rules first. And if I wanted to pay respects at Tim Russert’s funeral, I may be forgiven for not knowing the huge significance of transubstantiation to Catholics, but not for failing to ask about expectations of behavior.

People have a right to expect that sacred things in their own places of worship will be treated with a level of respect, even reverence. In our pluralistic society, we should set that bar high. This isn’t about exclusion. Nor is it about theology. It’s about sensitivity, common sense and good manners.