WALKING through Mill Gate today, I saw the banner being raised to announce: Open Good Friday. Every day, it seems, is now a trading day like all the rest.

But Christian people know that this is the day that changed, and is still changing, the world. Once again, on this Good Friday in Millennium year, the churches in the centre of Bury will take part in a Walk of Witness, carrying the Cross from Bury United Reformed Church (next to the roundabout at the end of Angouleme Way) through the town to St Marie's Roman Catholic Church.

We hope that his walk will be sign to everyone who sees it of God's love for his world. For the churches it will also be an opportunity to unite in the faith that we all share. Our divisions seem very small indeed when we stand at the foot of the Cross.

For that reason also the three hours' devotion at the parish church on Good Friday will this year be led for the first time by URC, Roman Catholic, and Methodist, as well as Church of England clergy.

The Walk of Witness will leave Bury URC at 12 noon and end at St Marie's at 1pm, and people are welcome to stay for as much, or as little, of the time as they choose. All are welcome to take part in both events.

JOHN FINDON,

Rector of Bury.