The Conservative Conference Party - Birmingam

Annual Church Service

Almost 700 people attended the Annual Church Service at Birmingham Town Hall. Caroline Spelman, Chairman of the Conservative Party, hosted the cross denominational service. In attendence was Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Bishop Derek Webley and Bishop David Urquhart.

Music was provided by Riverside Church, the Aberdeen Street Choir, and the social justice rapper ‘Witness’, who wowed the audience with a vibrant rendition of ‘Respect Yourself’.

Elizabeth Berridge, Executive Director, said “This is a wonderful service in a superb venue. We are privileged to organise the annual Church Service, one of the main curtain risers to the Conservative Party Conference. We are delighted that so many people from local Churches supported the event, as well as many conference delegates.”

Elizabeth continued, “This service was a great way for local Christians to show their City council and a national political party that Church services are not just well attended for weddings and funerals.”

Christian Success on the Fringe

200 people packed into the Cathedral on Monday 29th September to listen to the Vicar of Baghdad, Cannon Andrew White, speak about his work in Iraq.

Canon White spoke of his time and experience in Iraq over the past 10 years, about how he has been involved in leading an Anglican Church in Baghdad. Canon White is at the forefront of maintaining peace in the area by forming relationships with local Iraqis of different faiths and backgrounds.

Matthew Frost, Tearfund's Chief Executive, also talked about the work they are involved with throughout Africa, in particular Zimbabwe. He highlighted the importance of local community Churches being integral to the distribution of aid.

Prayer Breakfasts.

Each morning during the conference the CCF held Prayer Breakfasts which were well attended. These mornings gave those gathered the opportunity to pray for the city, the conference and the nation. The breakfasts were addressed by MPs including Alistair Burt, David Burrowes and Caroline Spelman.

The Aberdeen Street Choir