Church leaders from across the UK are supporting a fundraising cookbook, which will comprise recipes supplied entirely by them and members of the public.

Launched by national church insurer Congregational & General, the not-for-profit initiative will encourage cookery enthusiasts to submit original recipes for inclusion in the final publication. It will then be sold to help churches and local charities raise funds for their own causes, as well as making a contribution towards Christian Aid.

The campaign – the first of its kind to unite churches - can also count on the backing of former Ready Steady Cook chef and committed Christian Kevin Woodford – who will take his place on the recipe judging panel.

In addition to support from the Church of England, other church leaders have pledged a recipe for ‘Loaves, Fishes & More’, including The Presbyterian Church of Wales, The United Reformed Church, Assemblies of God, The Methodist Church, The Salvation Army, Quakers, Scottish Episcopal Church, Church in Wales and Congregational Federation.

Margaret Slater, Marketing Manager at Congregational, said: “We’re looking for innovative and original recipes from people, ranging from brilliant bologneses and cracking calzones to ace apple pies and super soufflés.”

“We are committed to driving this fundraising scheme, which will not only generate revenue for Christian Aid, but will carry a message about the importance of food at a time of a global shortage. It also gives the opportunity for churches to purchase a unique recipe book and sell on to raise funds for their own causes.”

A judging panel will shortlist up to 100 recipes to be included alongside those of the church leaders.

Mr Woodford said: “I am delighted to offer my support to this campaign. Faith plays an important part in my life and I fully appreciate the importance of helping raise revenue for your local place of worship. Cookery has long been associated with church fundraising activities and we are encouraging people to send in their recipes that can be shared by all.

“Everybody has a view on their favourite dishes, but we want to see entries that show some originality to them – whether that’s a secret ingredient in your cottage pie or a special way of baking a Victoria sponge to set it out from the competition.”

Sarah Gaskin, Marketing Officer at Christian Aid, concluded: “We are delighted that Congregational & General has chosen to support us through the sale of its new cookbook. The funds raised will contribute towards Christian Aid’s ongoing fight against poverty and support us in helping poor communities in over 50 countries around the world.”

To submit your entry, please visit www.loavesfishesandmore.com. Closing date for all recipe submissions is Tuesday 31 March, 2009.

For more information on Congregational visit www.congregational.co.uk