Religion in store (From Stroud News and Journal)

Religion in store

YOUNGSTERS from Stonehouse could soon be given the chance to learn the teaching's of Christianity - in their local supermarket.

The revolutionary idea may see primary school pupils learning the Bible's origins while mum and dad shop for the weekly groceries according to Derek Wright, chairman from the Churches Together group in Stonehouse.

The number of children attending Sunday school has dwindled significantly during the last 20 years and this move is seen as a way of the younger generation's interest in faith.

"We are concerned that Christianity is not reaching enough children." said Mr Wright.

"Christian education is not a thing of the past but we need to get more people interested in it and this may be one way of achieving it."

Churches Together covers the Stonehouse Diocese of St Cyrs, Bethel Chapel, Baptist Chapel, St Josephs and the Methodist Chapel.

"We still have Sunday school but we would like to keep numbers up and this idea is in the melting pot at the moment," he said.

A mid-week Sunday school could also be formed.

"We are just discussing things at the moment. It would be possibly in a side room and would be supervised by leaders."

Reverend Tony Minchin who preaches in the Stonehouse Diocese backed the initiative. "It is a fine thing to do," he said.

"We must take the gospel whereever people are and if it gets the teaching over then it will be worthwhile."

Adrian Barradell a spokesmen for the Co-op welcomed the idea and said: "We are always open to working with the local community and welcome any ideas.

"We would envisage the children being safe and secure while their parents shopped. We would advise Churches Together to contact the Store manager to discuss the feasibility further but it sounds like a very good idea."

*If anyone is interested in becoming a Sunday school teacher they should contact Derek Wright on 01453 823238.