|TOP|The Church of England has today unveiled plans for a new initiative to spread Christianity to rappers, nightclubs and the “hoodies” of the shopping arcades.

The new form of priest called, “pioneering ministers” are part of the “Fresh Expressions” initiative, which has been backed by the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury.

These new ministers are to receive special training before ordination, preparing them for their mission field- not the traditional parish church, but the housing estates, skateboard parks, pubs and cafes.

The Archbishop of Canterbury wants to make the church appeal more to people whose faith may have lapsed and those with virtually no contact with organised religion.

|AD|There were fears that the new pioneers could simply duplicate the role of parish-based clergy. Despite this the House of Bishops approved the plans last month.

A spokesman for Fresh Expressions, the Reverend Bob Marshall said that the new priests would be "a dynamic new force... able to reach parts that other clergy might not be able to reach".

Fresh Expressions has established around 300 new church schemes, including a Christian ”extreme sport” ministry in Surrey. Rezurgence, as t is called describes itself as "a unique first that brings mountain biking, BMX and faith into one".

At the same time clergy in Manchester: regarding youths who have linger near churchyards, intimidating worshippers and causing damage; have been advised to get to know the youths rather than eject them.

The advice comes in the wake of an event in last summer, when a local vicar decided to move a service to his vicarage, as his parishioners had become too frightened of the gangs of youths near the church.