The Baptist Centenary Congress has entered its first morning in Birmingham, UK with thousands from all around the globe gathering and joining in the praise and worship from world Christian leaders.

On Wednesday evening the Baptist Centenary Congress opened with huge celebrations witnessed by approximately 12,000 attendees from acoss the world.

A colourful Procession of the Nations took place, with representatives from 211 nations parading in the Birmingham auditorium. As they paraded the delegates sang to the theme chorus - "O Let the Living Water Flow, O Let the Living Water Flow, Let the River of Your Spirit Flow Through Me".

The morning session involved numerous Bible study events; eight being held in English, in addition to Russian, German, Korean and Spanish studies taking place seperately.

Hundreds packed into the halls across the International Convention Centre to hear the focused Bible studies.

"The diversity and number of Baptists coming to the event has been astonishing - this truly is a worldwide celebration," declared one passionate attendee.

As well as Bible Studies, praise and worship has been a focal part of the first morning's activities as hundreds worshipped to famous Christian praise songs.

On Thursday afternoon the Baptist Centenary Congress will feature talks with Tony Campolo, the President of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education (EAPE).

The evening's events will also include a celebration with Myra Blyth, the Chair of the Churches Commission on Racial Justice.