I completely respect everyone's point of view here...This is an interesting discussion.

The consensus seems to be that the Priest or Minister has the final say about what is acceptable.

Cassp-Let's say for discussion's sake that the Priest gave his blessing on using secular songs, like the ones I'll be performing, to be used during the service. What would you do? If you would tactfully step away despite the Priest's approval, why?

Part of my curiosity on this is a previous experience I had with a church and a dance series my band put on. My quartet had been hired to play for a number of dinner dances on Friday nights...all secular music...which went off very well. After the Friday nigth dances came to a stop...we explored the idea of starting our own Sunday afternoon dances from 3:00pm - 6:00pm. The Minister took it to the Trustees...who approved it. Attendance was decent but never really took off like we hoped for and ultimately, we stopped having it.

After the fact, the Minister said several people in his congregation didn't like the idea of a dance on Sundays. He explained to me in his opinion, that was an unfortunate view for his members to display. he felt strongly that God never voiced a displeasure with dancing in church. He buttrussed (sp?) his argument by the use of non traditional music in more and more services in Churches all over the world.

Certainly a very opinionated topic...

Just a reminder...the Wedding in question is in fact, NOT at a church but at a local Cultural Center in one of the oldest buildings in Troy.

Bill in Dayton