AS the debate over the impending war with Iraq rumbles on St Michael and All Angels Church is offering everyone the chance to offer a protest against the conflict.

Following on from marches across the world, which saw more than six million people take a stand against the war, the church on Hightown will be open on Saturday, February 22, for residents to light a candle for peace.

Rev Ian Bishop said: "The world is anxiously looking at the worsening situation in Iraq and the Middle East and is fearful of what terrorism could do anywhere and we wanted to do something positive.

"I hope that many people will drop into the church next Saturday and pray for peace and wisdom for the leaders of the world community."

Rev Bishop added: "Jesus said he was the light of the world and right now the world seems a very dark place. The simple act of prayer and lighting of a candle will begin to bring the light of Christ, the light of hope."

Prayers

There will be formal prayers said at 10am, 1pm and 4pm but visitors are welcome anytime between 10am and 4pm to offer individual prayers and light a candle.

Suggested prayers to follow will be in the church but Rev Bishop has suggested the following to be used at home:

"Lord Jesus, at a time when war and rumours of war, weigh heavily on the peoples of Iraq and the Middle East and the whole of our world, we pray that the light of Christ would shine and bring hope.

"Help us to bring the light of the Gospel to those living in darkness, to bring the hope of the gospel to those living in despair, and to bring the peace of the gospel to a divided world. Amen."

ghellam@guardiangrp.co.uk