by Matthew Davies

Two days after an estimated 5 million people demonstrated worldwide in an attempt to avert the war with Iraq, an ecumenical delegation arrived in London to attend a service of praise, penitence and prayer for peace. The service took place this evening at St John's Church, Waterloo Road.

Both of the speakers from Washington DC, the Revd Jim Wallis and Bishop John Chane, were unable to attend due to snowstorms in the US capital. A letter from Fr Wallis was read to the congregation conveying the message that American church leaders have come to Britain this week on a mission of peace.

"We've come so that we might join together with you, our brothers and sisters in the British churches, who have been so very clear and strong in opposing the rush to war," he said. "We want the British people to know that the leaders of the American churches do not support a war with Iraq. In fact, never before in our history have the American churches been so united for peace."

Bishop Melvin Talbot, Ecumenical Officer for the Council of United Methodist Bishops, spoke about a recent visit to Iraq where he was amongst 20 religious representatives of different denominations. "The main purpose of the visit was to talk to and understand people and put a human face on the people in Iraq," he said. "And what we experienced was brothers and sisters - human beings like you and me - wanting peace."

The Revd Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church, USA, also addressed the congregation about the need for Churches in the United States and the UK to unite. "We are here today to affirm a special relationship with churches in the UK and US for the cause of peace and the cause of justice."

Amongst the other representatives were the Most Revd Njongonkulu Ndungane, Archbishop of Cape Town, and the Most Revd Clive Handford, President Bishop in Cyprus and the Gulf, who led the prayers.

The delegation will lobby Prime Minister, Tony Blair, tomorrow afternoon conveying a widespread opposition to war with Iraq.