Churches are turning to the internet to reach out to the public, with two new online initiatives to be launched tomorrow, on Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent -- the season of preparation leading up to Easter - during which Christians are called to fast, pray and perform acts of generosity.
The Presbyterian Church has chosen the occasion to debut its free online advice service, e-minister, while the Catholic Church will post its first online video address from a New Zealand bishop.
The Right Reverend Graham Redding, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, said e-minister was a free confidential advice service run by experienced senior church ministers.
Launched in 2003 but little-known outside the church, the service will be open to anyone, churchgoer or not.
The anonymous e-ministers have received a range of questions over the past seven years, from questions about exploring faith through to serious personal issues.
The ministers aim to provide answers within 48 hours, and refer writers to the appropriate professionals if they are unable to help.
"As a church we are committed to offering services such as e-minister to help people in their search for meaning and purpose," Dr Redding said.
The Catholic Church is also embracing the internet for Ash Wednesday, following the Pope's comments this year about the importance of using online technologies to spread the gospel.
In a six-minute video message on YouTube, Auckland Bishop Patrick Dunn will discuss the symbolism of ashes and fire, which represent the season of Lent and the celebration of Easter.
"The new technologies can be a wonderful tool, allowing me to reach beyond those people I speak to in the pews on Sunday," he said.
The video will be available on Bishop Dunn's Facebook page from tomorrow.
-- E-minister: www.presbyterian.org.nz/e-minister Bishop Dunn's Ash Wednesday video: www.facebook.com/bishoppatrick
