Parish to have electronic sermon

About 100 parishioners at St Christopher's will receive the sermon

Parishioners in Surrey will have a church sermon delivered directly to their email inboxes as it is delivered by an Anglican vicar.

The words spoken by the Rev John Kronenberg, vicar of Hinchley Wood, will be converted into text and sent to 100 church members' computers.

Sunday's sermon is being billed as a world first by St Christopher's Church.

"There are many reasons why people may not be able to make it to church on a Sunday," said Mr Kronenberg.

"Some families can only get to church a couple of times a month because of other commitments, but they still want to keep in touch.

"We have a website and a Facebook page and regularly contact the community via email, but this is a bold next step in reaching people in a new and relevant way."

The sermon will be sent using speech technology called SpinVox.

The Rev Mark Rudall, communications director for the Diocese of Guildford, said: "This is a fascinating development and we will be watching with great interest to see how the parish of Hinchley Wood responds.

"Not only will they be able to follow the sermon simultaneously, but will have a written record of what was said which they can revisit and reconsider at any time they like."