One of the biggest Christian events in the calendar looks to have an uncertain future after its current owners decided to sell it.
The Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE) is being sold by Bible Society, which says, "It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to seek a new custodian for CRE."
CRE has an international event which attracts around 7,000 people, and a series of regional gatherings which see Christian charities, businesses and organisations come together to trade, recruit supporters and launch new products and services. It has been a fixture in Christians' calendars for the past 30 years.
Last year, the main CRE event moved from Sandown Park Racecourse in Surrey to the ExCel Centre in London's Docklands, but despite this move into a London location, the decision has been made to sell. CRE has been owned by Bible Society since 2008.
The Society says it is looking for a buyer for CRE but that if one isn't found it is unlikely the main event will go ahead next year. A CRE gathering in Maidstone, Kent, will go ahead as planned later this year.
In an email to exhibitors whose business plans or supporter recruitment strategies may rely on the exhibition, Bible Society says: "We appreciate that this may come as a shock, and many of you will have questions."
Bible Society spokesman Derek Hill said: "We are very grateful to CRE's exhibitors and visitors who have worked with us over the last eight years, and the small staff team that have made it all happen. They have achieved a great deal and the business is in good shape."
