§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what arrangement he is making for commemorating the Christian element of the millennium. [53722]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 30 July 1998]: The Christian Churches in the UK have a well-advanced programme of events to mark the Millennium, including a special programme of celebrations at Pentecost 2000. My Department is working closely with the Christian Churches and other faiths, through the Lambeth Consultation Group, to ensure that the importance of the year 2000 as a Christian anniversary is reflected more generally in the celebrations. The Group has produced guidelines for events organisers on how Millennium activities can be made relevant and accessible to Christians and other members of faiths. Members of the Group are also working with my Department to draw up plans for special Millennium Church Services on the first Sunday of the year 2000. With the assistance of the Lambeth Group, the New Millennium Experience Company is working to ensure that the Christian significance of the year 2000 is reflected in the Dome at Greenwich and its associated national programme of activities.