MORE than 4,000 Christians put denominational differences aside and united as one for a special event to praise God and the city of Oxford today.

Christians from dozens of different nationalities cancelled their usual Sunday worship to join together for a mass prayer in South Park in which they were told Christianity is more relevant than ever in today’s world.

Congregations from an estimated 40 Oxford churches including Anglican, Baptist, Pentecostal, Russian Orthodox, and the Chinese fellowship were blessed with fine weather as they sang hymns under one marquee roof.

In recognition of this year’s general election, pastors said prayers for Oxford’s two MPs as well as for the city council, county council, Thames Valley Police and local NHS services.

Pastor Memory Tapfumaneyi, thanked Oxford East MP Andrew Smith for his dedication to the city and asked for him to receive continued wisdom and courage to continue his work.

Mr Tapfumaneyi asked God to give Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood a “fruitful and rewarding” political career.

Miss Blackwood, who attends St Aldate’s Church, told the audience she hoped the upcoming generation would genuinely get involved in politics and challenge politicians.

She said afterwards: “It was great to see different parts of Oxford come together such as town and gown and have such a diverse group of people gather in the same place.”

Christians held their arms aloft, waved flags and held green Love Oxford balloons during a two-hour service held in a giant white marquee.

Senior pastor Grady Reid, from the Christian Life Centre in Cowley. told the audience: “We are not irrelevant as the world tells us.

“Now the people of God are needed more than we have ever been before.

“After our society chases after false idols and are left feeling empty in a time of crisis they will turn to a solid foundation.”

Charlie Cleverly of St Aldate’s Church said the event had cost about £35,000 and asked the joined congregation to dig deep to make sure future Love Oxford events can continue to happen.

Ali Gates, 54, from who lives off the Woodstock Road in North Oxford said: “I love this event.

“It’s brilliant to see all the denominations of the Church here and for all those who love God to come together as brothers and sisters.

“It brings the whole community together, rich or poor, black or white, it doesn’t matter.

“We want to do it more often.”

Charles Farr, 62, from Oxford, said: “It was very inspiring, very uplifting and very inclusive where as the traditional church approach can be quite exclusive.”

Rebecca Wraith, eight, from Headington, said: “It was really good learning more about God.

“It’s more lively than a normal service and its slightly more fun because you get to do loads of other things as well.”

cwalker@oxfordmail.co.uk