Birmingham Bishop to Reveal Image of Servitude on Maundy Thursday

|TOP|The Right Rev Michael Whinney, Birmingham’s Acting Bishop, will offer a foot-wash and shoe-shine to office workers in the city this week to celebrate Maundy Thursday - the day when Jesus washed his disciples' feet at the Last Supper on the evening before his crucifixion.

The shoe-shine is also aimed to take away attention from the chocolate and 'fluffy bunnies' culture that dominates the Easter festival.

In addition, people walking past St Philip's in Cathedral Square, off Colmore Row, will be offered a hot drink as part of the Maundy Encounter.

The Rev Canon Peter Howell-Jones, who is organising the event, said: "We hope that a small act of kindness will raise awareness of a significant Christian Holy Day.|AD|

"Easter, Good Friday and Maundy Thursday are hugely important to the church but their meaning has been lost in a rush of Easter Eggs and fluffy bunnies."

Churches across the country hope to reach a high turnout this year, following last year’s success. With many holding innovative events to connect with the local community, the churches wish to bring the congregation to the deep meaning of the death of Jesus and his resurrection this Easter.

Cathedrals in particular enjoyed a good turnout last year, with both St Paul’s Cathedral and Southwark Cathedral marking a four per cent increase in attendance from their 2004 Easter services.

“It is our experience that there is a real thirst for quality liturgy with colour and drama, which Holy Week and Easter have in plenty, combined with a thoughtful preaching of the Word,” said the Dean of Southwark, the Very Rev Colin Slee.