Friday 15th December 2023 – Immediate Use

A nationwide Christmas campaign, Shine Your Light, which has seen over 54,000 Christians representing over 440 churches has received a much needed boost from the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak MP this morning. 

Shine Your Light will see hundreds of thousands unite in communities across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic in a range of outdoor events. This will be the largest Christmas outreach on behalf of the UK church this year with over 65 partners, from denominations, networks and Christian organisations. 

The over 400 events will take place around town halls, high streets and shopping centres as well as many other public places.

Registrations have come in from all over the United Kingdom. Among those taking part include hundreds of flashmob style carol events, open air Christingle services and nativity events from the small to the large including some in Castles, country parks and housing estates.

All of these events are solely focused on enabling the true message of Christmas to be heard by those outside the church. While it is acknowledged, church attendance increases during the Christmas season, there will be many who will not darken the door of a church. Reaching across to these un-churched communities is at the heart of Shine Your Light. 

Thanking churches for holding Shine Your Light events, The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom said:

“I was delighted to read about your campaign to share the message of hope and joy across the country this Christmas.

I anticipate that many churches across our nations will participate in brightening up the country like a Christmas tree, bringing the spirit of Christmas to our communities.

I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone involved in Shine Your Light. I hope your campaign is a great success.”

Dr Jonathan Oloyede, Convenor of the National Day of Prayer and Worship added:

“To see Christians recognised for taking the message of hope and joy to our communities from the Prime Minister is so encouraging.

The church has a unique opportunity this weekend in towns, villages and cities to bring the Christ in Christmas to many who need to hear the message of joy to the world.”

To find out about local Shine Your Light events in your community, please visit: www.shineyourlight.org.uk  

END

The vision for Shine Your Light is that the whole church across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic stand united to share the Gospel to the whole of society this Christmas. Every local church has been encouraged to be a Light to shine to brighten up the whole country like a Christmas tree.

Dr Jonathan Oloyede is available for media interviews.with prior arrangement.

For more information or media requests, please contact Adam May, Director of Communications for the National Day of Prayer and Worship on 07736 949 869 or am@ndopw.com