Vicars take church onto the streets

Bradford Diocese has unveiled radical plans to spread the Christian message on foot through a flock of mobile vicars.

The church is exploring unconventional methods of worship in a bid to halt falling attendance figures.

From September, youngsters will be given the opportunity to question roving vicars at a range of city centre landmarks, including Bradford Interchange and Bradford Magistrates Court.

Plans are currently being drafted to use a city centre building, possibly a cafe or pub, as an informal meeting place before youngsters go out clubbing and socialising at the week end.

The Reverend Chris Howson, of St Christoper's Church, Holme Wood, who is spearheading the initiative, said: "Through this city centre project, we are trying to be alongside young people to give them some place for spirituality and so they can ask some questions.

"It's about making the church more accessible.

"We will be visible and approachable in places where people would naturally want to come and talk.

"This is a new concept for the Church of England. The old concept bases worship in a parish or a building."

Bradford Diocese has been taking tips from a successful city-centre model in Manchester called Sanctus, which explores modern methods of worship.

Mr Howson said: "Young people have no connection to a church or faith so we are trying to give them that by working alongside them.

"Young people just don't come to church on a Sunday.

"They're more likely to come before they go out for the night.

"We want to provide a relaxed space where they can express faith in a contemporary way, for example through jazz music."

Although church attendance figures have been plummeting in a national trend, Mr Howson remains optimistic.

He said: "There has been a resurgence of new churches in Bradford so I think people are responding to modern methods of worship.

"If churches remain relevant then they won't be closing."