Diocesan News18 May 11

Church of Ireland Bishop Commends Unique Nondenominational Odyssey Event

Bishop Harold Miller has strongly commended Maize n' Grace, taking place at The Odyssey Arena at 8pm on 27 and 28 May, a unique event that does not represent any particular Christian denomination. Encouraging people from every part of the community to go to Maize n' Grace he made his comments during his attendance at the Church of Ireland General Synod last week in Armagh.

The Odyssey Arena is in Bishop Miller's diocese of Down and Dromore. He said "Maize n' Grace is just the sort of event that our community can welcome. I am absolutely delighted to encourage people from every part of our community to attend." He continued, "Angus Buchan, the keynote speaker at Maize n' Grace, is a remarkable Christian speaker. Coming from South Africa he will understand the need for a healing and hopeful message in a wounded society."

Bishop Miller also welcomed the attendance of the Omagh - Waterford Peace Choir who will be singing a number of pieces each evening. He said, "The emergence of the Choir from the tragedy of the Omagh bomb is a message that shows that even the most unimaginably destructive act cannot extinguish hope. Their part in these evenings is a strong signal that Maize n' Grace is for every part of our community".

The life story of South African farmer and evangelist Angus Buchan is told in the book and film 'Faith Like Potatoes'. It tells of his struggles to establish a livelihood as a farmer, his journey to Christian faith and overcoming personal tragedy. One of the most appealing aspects of Buchan is the realism with which he tells his story and the way he is able to communicate.

A major effort is being made by the organizers to make sure that everyone across the community feels a warm welcome and the event does not represent any particular Christian denomination. It is public and completely free of charge. No-one is encouraged to join or leave a church, with all parts of the community being offered a warm invitation. It will be one of the largest free public events to be held in Northern Ireland this year. It is taking place on the evenings of 27 and 28 May.

All tickets for Maize n' Grace are free and are available direct from The Odyssey box office.

For more information visit www.maizengrace.com.