The Evangelical Alliance’s 5th Annual Temple Address will take place this evening, with a new initiative being launched, as well as a keynote speech to be given by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rev Dr Rowan Williams.

|TOP|The core of Dr Williams message will be based on respect – a topic that also at the forefront of the Evangelical Alliance’s newest campaign.

The spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, Dr Williams’ talk will be entitled, ‘Becoming Trustworthy: Respect and Self Respect’. It will be directed to the younger generation and will look to be a platform for the EAUK’s new Champions of Respect campaign to be launched.

Being incorporated into the Temple Address is the first national Champions of Respect Awards, which looks to honour young people making a positive contribution to their communities.

The top prize of the night has been dedicated to the memory of Anthony Walker, the Liverpool school boy that was murdered in a racist attack in July. Walker had been a youth leader at an Evangelical Alliance member church.|AD|

Presenting the award will be Anthony’s mother, Gee Walker along with the Church of England head.

Rev Joel Edwards, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance said, “The Champions of Respect Awards and the Temple Address kick off the respect campaign. Respect has become a topical issue in recent months.

“Our challenge to Government is to continue to invest in and support projects such as those featured in the Champions of Respect awards and to seek a more holistic approach to the issue of respect.”

Backing the awards was also the new Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu who said, “Jesus Christ demonstrated great respect for others during his ministry. He always spoke the truth, yet managed to challenge the world without condemning it.

“These young people, who have been nominated for a Champions of Respect Award, demonstrate that same ability to challenge the world, while at the same time showing respect, compassion and humility. I thoroughly commend these Awards and hope they will become an annual event.”