The millennium is receiving major media attention in Britain, but only one in six Britons realizes the year 2000 signifies the anniversary of the birth of Jesus, according to a Gallup poll.
British evanglicals are reminding the public of the importance of Christianity in their culture and are bringing a Christian dimension to the many secular celebrations being planned for the millennium.
The Evangelical Alliance (EA), representing more than one million Christians in 30 denominations, is making certain that when the new millennium arrives, no one in Britain will be unaware of whose birth is being celebrated. EA has established Anno Domini (AD) as a coordinating group for evangelical millennium activities.
AD facilitates networking for the various millennium projects, including a 1,000-day prayer project. AD is also organizing quarterly meetings for project coordinators and is providing ideas for churches to celebrate the birth of Christ.
“Followers of Jesus Christ are in the best position to remind a lost and hurting world of the significance of the year 2000,” says AD director Brian Clews.
Among the secular projects planned is a $1 billion, 20-acre millennium dome being built in Greenwich near London. The dome will have nine zones, including a “spirit zone” celebrating the influence of Christianity and other faiths.
However, EA general director Joel Edwards believes the government is using the dome to celebrate Britain’s secular achievements. “Let’s not get diverted by the politicizing of the dome,” he says. “Let’s respond practically to this unique period in history to present Christ creatively and convincingly.”
Edwards is a member of a group of faith representatives that includes Muslims and Hindus who are advising the government and the New Millennium Experience Company, builders of the dome.
Meanwhile, the interdenominational Fanfare for a New Generation (FNG), led by Baptist minister Steve Chalke and singer Cliff Richard, plans to make churches in Britain “more relevant, welcoming, and challenging” in the new millennium. FNG is urging congregations to implement ten practical goals by January 2000.
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