With an anticipated 30,000 visitors a day and 5,000 staff, the Millennium Dome in Greenwich, South London, is rather like an international airport. The company that operates the Dome has worked with the churches to appoint a team of twenty Christian chaplains, two of whom will be on duty whenever the Dome is open to the public. Not only will the chaplains lead prayers twice a day and Sunday worship, but they will also be available to meet the needs of visitors and staff, and answer any questions that arise.

In an example of the excellent co-operation between Christian traditions, the chaplains are drawn from a very broad sample of church life, both clergy and lay, including Anglicans, Salvation Army officers, Roman Catholics, and five London City Mission staff. The lead chaplain is Millennium Office team member Mgr Nicholas Rothon.

For visitors to the Dome, the Prayer Space is clearly sign posted and chaplains will be wearing name badges. The Space is open for private prayer and reflection to people of all faith traditions and none. Morning and afternoon prayers follow simple pattern based round a psalm, scripture reading and intercessions, with more extended worship on Sundays.

Item from: Millennium Moment