Electronic sermon could be world first

A church sermon is to be delivered directly to parishioners' computers this weekend in what is being billed as a world first.

An Anglican Parish Church has joined with speech technology company SpinVox so that as the Rev John Kronenberg, vicar of Hinchley Wood in Surrey, delivers his sermon to the congregation his words will be automatically sent to the inboxes of 100 church members.

Mr Kronenberg said: "There are many reasons why people may not be able to make it to Church on a Sunday. They may have to work, or visit families far away, some may have trouble leaving the house if they are elderly or ill and some families can only get to church a couple of times a month because of other commitments, but they still want to keep in touch.

"We have a website and a Facebook page and regularly contact the community via email, but this is a bold next step in reaching people in a new and relevant way."

Rev Mark Rudall, communications director for the Diocese of Guildford, added: "This is a fascinating development and we will be watching with great interest to see how the parish of Hinchley Wood responds.

"Not only will they be able to follow the sermon simultaneously, but will have a written record of what was said which they can revisit and reconsider at any time they like."