Undercover ratings for churches

Churches will be rated by undercover worshippers in a move inspired by store chains such as Asda and Tesco which send covert "mystery shoppers" to gather consumer feedback.

Up to 100 of the volunteers will attend churches across London on Sunday, 24 April in order to judge the quality of the service.

Using pen names such as "Church Mouse" to protect their identity, they will rate the warmth of their welcome, the length and content of the sermon, the music and even coffee.

Ecclesiastical Oscars will be awarded in categories such as best sermon, best use of music and best overall church by Christian website www.Ship-of-Fools.com.

Simon Jenkins, editor of the website, said: "Our volunteers go to a church they have never been to before and experience the service as an outsider. For the church being visited, the only clue is the calling card dropped discreetly into the collection plate, bearing the picture of a masked man in Lone Ranger pose."