Hundreds of churches across the UK are expected to hold Micah Sunday 07 events this autumn to highlight the issues of HIV and Aids and the worldwide fight against poverty.

Micah Sunday is an annual event which aims to galvanise the international Christian family to act on behalf of the world's poorest people.

The event is part of the Micah Challenge movement founded in 2004 as a worldwide body of Christians, churches, church organisations and key individuals across 32 countries to make sure that the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are implemented.

The theme of Micah Sunday 07 in the UK is HIV and Aids. Sermon themes, creative prayer and worship ideas and practical ways to engage with relevant issues will be provided by Micah Challenge UK.

Andy Clasper, Micah Challenge UK Executive Director, said: "Micah Sunday 07 will be a chance for us to look again at God's heart for the poor and to remind ourselves that when the church family stands up and speaks out in support of the poor it makes a difference.

"It will be a time to take practical steps that make a difference in alleviating poverty, and tackling HIV and Aids. I would urge churches to seize the opportunity to get involved. Stand together, learn together, speak out, invite your MP along, get involved! Our actions do count!"

The official Micah Sunday date is October 14, but churches have been invited to hold events any time from the beginning of October to the end of 2007.

For churches interested in holding a Micah Sunday 07 event please visit: www.micahchallenge.org.uk

Core members working within the Micah Challenge UK include: African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance (ACEA), Alpha International / Holy Trinity Brompton, BMS World Mission, Christian Medical Fellowship, Christian Today, Evangelical Alliance, Faithworks, Global Connections, New Frontiers International, Oasis, Shaftesbury Society, SPEAK, Tearfund, World Vision UK.