Why was the UK chief rabbi in a cathedral, if Orthodox rabbis don’t enter churches? – A London rabbinical court ruling from the 1970s says Jews can attend Christian ceremonies if requested by a monarch, opening door for attendance at queen’s jubilee this week | Timesofisrael

JTA — Most Orthodox interpretations of Jewish law conclude that Jews are forbidden to enter churches, even if no prayer will be taking place.
So why was British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis present on Friday at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, where he attended a prayer service in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year anniversary on the throne?
The answer dates back to a ruling from the 1970s by the London Beth Din, the Orthodox rabbinical court, which allows rabbis to attend Christian religious ceremonies only if the rabbi’s presence is requested by the monarch.