Cathedral photography?

What gear do you recommend for photographing the interiors of massive cathedrals?  Cathedrals tend to be dark and not allow tripods.  In many if not most cases, shots must be handheld rather than being able to find something to brace the camera against.

Typical shots are

- from entrance up the center aisle capturing most of the interior.  This requires lots of depth of field and a wide focal length.  You can rest the camera on the floor and do a long exposure (bracing on pews changes the angle and loses symmetry), but a higher vantage point usually looks better.  Otherwise, a high ISO is useful

- details along the side walls, such are statues or architectural details.  A longer focal length is better and usually there is no need for much DOF.  Faster glass or high ISO

- ceiling.  This usually requires a wider angle, but not too much DOF.

My preference is a lightweight kit.

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