Churches across Britain to share Edinburgh service for G8

Churches across Britain have been invited to host specialservices to coincide with one held in Edinburgh to mark the G8summit. These services will take place on the morning of Saturday 2July. The Edinburgh service, which will be held at 10:00 a.m. atthe Methodist Central Hall in the city, marks the start of a day ofevents organised by the Make Poverty History campaign to continueto press the G8 leaders.

Anthea Cox, Coordinating Secretary for Public Life and SocialJustice, says "many people will make the journey to Edinburgh forthe G8 events. But even more will not be able to, for manydifferent reasons. So by holding the same service at churchesacross the country, we will all be able to join as one incelebrating our faith and raising our voices to support MakePoverty History. These services will be open to all, and we hope asmany churches as possible will be involved. We have also invitedchurches across the world to join in as well."

The annual Methodist Conference finishes in Torquay on 30 June,just two days before the Edinburgh gathering. Although someConference members are making the 460-mile journey between the two,including President the Revd Tom Stuckey and Vice President JohnBell, the Church wants those who cannot to still be able to join inthe service.