Four million copies of the Archbishop of Canterbury's book "Jesus 2000" have been distributed free at the start of the New Year. The specially printed editions of Dr Carey's millennium message were included with the News of the World - the UK's biggest selling Sunday newspaper.

The idea for the give away came personally from the Archbishop, who wrote to Rupert Murdoch in early November 1999. Mr Murdoch, who is Chief Executive of News Corporation which owns the News of the World, was enthusiastic about the project and agreed that his company would meet the entire cost of this unique venture. The books were distributed on the first Sunday of 2000 - 2nd January.

"The Millennium is a wonderful opportunity to spread understanding and appreciation of the message and the person of Jesus Christ," Archbishop George Carey said. "That is the aim of my book and I'm delighted that it is being supported in this remarkable and generous manner."

Item from: Lambeth Palace