[The Montclair Times] Cellular phones ... annoying nuisances or next-generation worship tools?
In an attempt to answer this question, The Montclair Times contacted several of the town's religious leaders. This is what they had to say.
A POSITIVE BENEFIT
The Rev. John Mennell of St. Luke's Episcopal Church told The Times that his church has tried to embrace handheld technology. St. Luke's encourages people to bring their devices and use them to participate in the services, noted Mennell.
Located at 73 South Fullerton Ave., the entire church complex has Wi-Fi, and each week's service can be downloaded from the church website. In addition, St. Luke's has used text messages to announce events, locations of services and more. Since getting his first iPad two years ago, Mennell himself has used his tablet to lead every service.
Mennell told The Times that after the church began to embrace handheld technology, there have actually been fewer inadvertent rings during the services: "I think as people are more aware and accepting of the technology, the easier it becomes to use it politely."
