wfn.org | ACNS3572 Church of England's first National Wedding Show stand

["Anglican Communion News Service" <acnslist@anglicancommunion.org>]

ACNS 3572     |     ENGLAND	|     8 SEPTEMBER 2003

Church of England's first National Wedding Show stand

[ACNS Source: Church of England Communications Unit] Future brides and
grooms will have the chance to discuss their wedding with a bishop at the
National Wedding Show at the NEC Birmingham starting on Friday, September
12. The Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, will open the Church of
England's first ever stand at the Show.

"The Church has a proud record of, every year, arranging something special
for thousands of couples on their wedding day. Couples are increasingly
using shows like this to help plan their weddings," the Bishop will say, "so
we are grateful to have this opportunity to be part of that planning: to add
the missing piece in the wedding show jigsaw."

Joining commercial exhibitors from across the country, ranging from
jewellery and dress designers to venue locations, florists, photographers,
favour providers and honeymoon destinations, Church of England
representatives will be on hand to highlight the benefits of getting married
in Church.

"The Church of England has 16,000 marriage venues across the country, often
of outstanding beauty, but it also offers a framework of meaning which will
grow as a couple's love and family grow," says Bishop Tim. "Ancient
tradition and modern experience are held together in the skilful hands of
clergy who seek to have a personal relationship with the couple, offering
preparation for the married life that follows the wedding, as well as being
available for support and counselling in the years that follow."

Couples from local parishes who have chosen to marry in Church for a variety
of reasons will be on the stand, which will also include a database
highlighting the 16,000 parish churches in the UK; flowers as arranged by
local churches; Ecclesiastical wedding insurance; and other useful
information.

For further information on the National Wedding Show contact Sarah
Fletcher/Lucy Clifton/Melanie Tivey at big:pr, sarah.fletcher@biggroup.co.uk
or telephone: 020 7313 2226.

___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is
distributed to more than 6,000 journalists and other readers around
the world.  For subscription information please go to:
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/acnslist.html