Christians in show of unity

Historic day for many worshippers across UK

Thousands of Christians have taken part in a special event at Hampden Park to mark 2,000 years of Christianity.

The emphasis of the rally was Christian unity, with Church of Scotland, Catholic, Baptist and Pentecostal worshippers among those taking part.

Church leaders, including Church of Scotland Moderator Andrew McLellan and Roman Catholic Cardinal Thomas Winning, also sought to highlight the issue of developing countries' debts.

Christians sought to highlight world debt

The event was one of a series taking place across the United Kingdom and while organisers had expected 40,000 people, they said they were not disappointed with the 10,000 turnout.

They added that in many places it was the first time that Christians had gathered together since the Reformation.

The moderator told BBC Scotland: "This is a hugely exciting opportunity for Christians, particularly in the west of Scotland, but also all over Scotland, to come together. We do that so seldom."

And Cardinal Winning said the event contained an added message about world debt and six charities, including Chrtistian Aid, would benefit.

"We're only part of a worldwide attempt to cancel this debt because these people will never be able to live in decent conditions until that debt is cancelled," he said.

Elsewhere, churches took over football grounds, race courses and even a bus station, as part of the Pentecost 2000 Festival

The festival was organised by the Churches' Millennium Office to coincide with the Pentecost, when Jesus' disciples joined together for a feast in Jerusalem shortly after Christ's ascension.

Churches' Millennium officer, the Rev Stephen Lynas said: "In this millennium year we want to stress Christian unity."