Religious Rockers? Surely not!
US Churches join forces with U2 by playing their songs during services, to help raise awareness for Bono's AIDs campaign.
Episcopal Churches in the US have made the controversial decision to use U2 songs in their services. Ever since the idea started in July this year, it has spread to 15 US states, and become a worldwide issue. Although criticised by some, this move is for a very Christian cause. In a movement called U2charist, they have decided to raise awareness for a new AIDS and poverty program. U2, led by frontman Bono, have launched a new "Red" campaign to raise money and awareness for the situation.
The campaign makes it easy for people to donate, they can do it from the comfort of their own shopping centre! Hundreds of colour coded labelled "Red" products now line shelves, and when purchased, up to 50% of the profit will go straight to fund AIDS and poverty programs.
Bono himself was enthusiastic about the campaign, saying that "This generation can be the generation that says no to extreme poverty."
The idea of rock music used in churches to aid the campaign was started by priest Reverent Paige Blair, when he held the first U2charist service in York County, Maine, in July last year. When this decision was questioned and even frowned upon by some, Rev. Blair raised the point that the Methodist hymn writers once wrote contemporary music.
U2 themselves are also no strangers to good causes, having performed at Live 8, and are strong supporters of Make Poverty History.
Although it has raised a lot of speculation, this campaign has certainly raised awareness, and hopefully will continue to do so.
The campaign makes it easy for people to donate, they can do it from the comfort of their own shopping centre! Hundreds of colour coded labelled "Red" products now line shelves, and when purchased, up to 50% of the profit will go straight to fund AIDS and poverty programs.
Bono himself was enthusiastic about the campaign, saying that "This generation can be the generation that says no to extreme poverty."
The idea of rock music used in churches to aid the campaign was started by priest Reverent Paige Blair, when he held the first U2charist service in York County, Maine, in July last year. When this decision was questioned and even frowned upon by some, Rev. Blair raised the point that the Methodist hymn writers once wrote contemporary music.
U2 themselves are also no strangers to good causes, having performed at Live 8, and are strong supporters of Make Poverty History.
Although it has raised a lot of speculation, this campaign has certainly raised awareness, and hopefully will continue to do so.