CHRISTIANS in Bolton are being invited to listen to the Sermon on the Mount 1990s style this weekend.

Taking the spirit of the command "Go Tell It on the Mountain" literally, the Bishop of Bolton the Rt Rev David Bonser will be marching to the top of Rivington Pike tomorrow.

He will be joined by the Bishop of Hulme the Rt Rev Colin Scott in the historic event.

And proving that they believe "it's good to talk" they will link up with worshippers at other simultaneous services, via mobile phone.

The high-level act of worship on the pike is part of a weekend of similar celebrations around the country.

All church congregations are going to the highest accessible point in their diocese. And in the case of the Manchester Diocese this is Rivington Pike.

The Go Tell It on the Mountain weekend has been organised by the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (USPG).

USPG Manchester chairman Canon Harry Callaghan said the idea had been developed because throughout history mountains have been places of inspiration for Christians.

Canon Callaghan of St John's Breightmet said: "We will be remembering and praying for worldwide mission by going to high places, just as Jesus did, when he commissioned his followers to 'go and make disciples of all nations.'"

The Bishop of Liverpool the Rt Rev David Sheppard will phone Rivington with greetings from a telephone in the tower of Liverpool Cathedral. The bishops at Rivington will then call the Bishop of Birkenhead in Oxton on the Wirral.

The Bolton event will meet at 12.30pm near the base of the pike and walk up to the summit to start at 1pm.

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