U2 service brings rock to religion
Jan 29 8:35 AM US/Eastern
The Pope may have condemned rock music as "anti-religion" but the Church of England has announced it is to use the songs of a global supergroup in an effort to boost congregations.
The first "U2-charist" in England, an adapted Holy Communion service that uses the Irish rock group's best-selling songs in place of hymns, is to be staged at a Lincoln church in May.
A live band will play U2 classics such as Mysterious Ways and Beautiful Day as worshippers sing along with lyrics which will appear on screen at St Swithin's parish church in the town centre.
The event will focus on the Millennium Development Goals - targets set for the alleviation of world poverty - and a cause promoted by U2 singer and lyricist Bono with fellow Irish musician Bob Geldof.
The atmosphere will be further enhanced by a sophisticated lighting system that will pulse with the beat, and striking visual images of poverty and drought.
The Bishop of Grantham, the Rt Rev Timothy Ellis, said the service would be "completely inclusive" with anyone who wished to come along welcome.
Seating will be moved in order for the 500-strong congregation to be able to dance and wave their hands.
He said: "The Millennium Development Goals are extremely important for the future of the world.
"It is also very important that we continue to try and find ways of worshipping that are surprising, challenging and fun. Rock music can be a vehicle of immense spirituality."
The idea of a "U2-charist" was first created in the US with the first such service held there in 2005.
© Copyright Press Association Ltd 2007, All Rights Reserved.
