|PIC1|A leading Christian charity today called on churches across the country to help those suffering as the UK slides further into economic difficulty.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP), the national debt counselling charity, responded to the latest news about the continued rise in inflation and the falling housing market by urging the church to make increased provision for those in need.

The charity, which operates through a national network of debt counselling centres, made its statement following the Governor of the Bank of England's announcement that inflation would continue to rise next year, increasing the risk of 'stagflation' in the British economy, amidst a fall in house prices.

Among the charity's recommendations was greater provision for those slipping into financial difficulty through debt counselling and financial advice.

Matt Barlow, the Chief Executive of CAP UK, said, "The downturn in the economy is severely affecting all sectors. We have seen an increase in those previously financially secure seeking help, as the credit crunch continues to hit and inflation rises unabated.

"Our recently launched switchboard is busy with calls from across the UK as more and more people find their financial situation unsustainable. The good news is, though, we're here to help."

CAP has recently launched a money management course, CAP Money, aimed at helping those in the local community regain control over their finances, providing a long term solution to financial difficulties through proper budgeting.

Mr Barlow continued: "It has never been easier for a church to reach out to its local community through both CAP Money and our award-winning debt counselling services. The solutions are available, but the church needs to respond now."

He said that proper planning and making the right decisions would enable the church in the UK to respond "efficiently and sympathetically to people's needs as this crisis unfolds".

"Currently there is over £1.4 trillion of personal debt in the UK and this figure continues to rise. It is time for the church to practically demonstrate Jesus' love," he said.

Mr Barlow said that some families were already finding themselves without enough money to feed their children. He recommended that all churches set up a hardship fund to meet immediate needs.