Desperate Evangelists Convert Women With Lingerie

Posted September 29, 2005
Asian News International
London, September 29, 2005
Hindustan Times

Lusty lingerie is the last thing one thought could turn you towards God, but it seems that in the modern age of sex and sleaze, straight thoughts in meditative silence, is not the only remedy to turn atheists into believers, and send them flocking to church for spiritual solace.

And yes, the backing comes from none else than the church itself, which says that Christians have to use unconventional methods to reverse the decline in churchgoing.

A new book, Open the Door, produced by the charity Activate, which is primarily aimed at women, and backed by a Church of England bishop, urges churchgoers to resort to unconventional methods like holding murder mystery evenings and "pamper" parties, to reverse the decline in peoples habits of going to church, as such occasions offer the most conducive atmosphere in modern day social engagements, to slip in the message.

"I have not conducted a lingerie party myself, but when Bridget Jones was all the rage I know that some Christian groups were holding knickers parties," The Rev Jan Harney, a Church of England cleric in Manchester who also works for Activate, was quoted by The Telegraph, as saying.

"To be honest, I am not sure what happened at those. Nobody has told me,

"I also like pamper parties, when we can enjoy a massage or a manicure or try beauty products. I will always end the party with a five-minute period of reflection, a sort of thought for the day. It is a way to get to know people who will never normally go near a church," she added.

And according to another Bishop, he became a fan of the Big Brother television show, because the issues that surfaced during the programme, were often more real to ordinary people, than those raised in church.

"They are the modern version of the Tupperware party and they are a natural way for women to meet. They can lead to a discussion of themes such as Adam and Eve and relations between people and God," the paper quoted Rev David Gillett, The Bishop of Bolton, as saying.