difficulty in delivering people at grass roots' level.
This is where the Churches come in. If the demonstration on May 3 is going to be a success, as it must be, it will be because of the backing given by local Christians. In Merseyside, the Bishops of Shrewsbury and Chester on one side of the river, and the Bishop and Archbishop of Liverpool on the other, are active supporters.
It is noticeable here at the House of Commons that the Church is the only organisation which can turn out a respectable lobby. Over the past few years, large numbers of trade unions have come down to Parliament to lobby. But few of them bring any numbers with them. The outstanding lobbies of the past few years have been organised by the World Development Movement, and it is noticeable how important the Church is in such gatherings. Rarely are so many dog-collars to be seen in one place at one time.
What are you, and, more importantly, what is your parish doing to ' help make May 3 a success? The route for May 3 is detailed in the accompanying map. 80 groups are already busily planning to man the route on that Sunday. Do you live near to the route? If not, other groups have sprung up around the country, and will bus supporters who wish to take their place for the symbolic linking of hands at 3 p.m.
Will you help? Will you show your disapproval that, in a supposedly prosperous Britain, 3-4 million people are condemned to idleness, which is a sin against creation? If you will, please contact the Hands Across Britain's national office. The address is Southbank House, Black Prince 'Road, London SEI. They can also be reached by phone, on 01 582 8256.