|TOP|At the Christian Resources Exhibition held last month, modern technology was showcased to adapt for Church purposes.

Features included demonstrations of instant hymn tunes downloaded from the Internet; Bible passages and hymn words mixed with video on a giant video screen; live prayers and greetings sent in from worshippers round the world joining in the service through the Internet; a Thought for the Day webcam from a worshipper in a remote location; and a demonstration of gospel magic from illusionist Steve Price.

Tim Finch, director of DirectCast, which provides on-location live Internet streaming, says: "Churches will be able to link live with congregations who remain at home using video, audio and two-way messaging links as easily as they can now use overhead projectors.

|AD|"Housebound, immobile and distant rural occupants will be able to take part in communal services without leaving their homes."

Recently, Pope Benedict XVI was given a brand new iPod nano loaded with special Vatican Radio programming and classical music by a group of Vatican Radio employees, according to the Catholic News Service.

"We don't have a huge gift to give to the Pope, but we do have small signs of our work" to give him, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican Radio's general director, told Catholic News Service.

According to the website the Pope was said to have replied, "Computer technology is the future.”

In addition, George Verwer of mission group Operation Mobilisation claims that computer technology is effective for mission evangelism.

He said: "The Internet is one of the most key tools that God has given us in the church today. Internet Evangelism is a dynamic, effective, cutting-edge ministry that more people should get involved in."