In another messianic move (this time not of Bono's making), churches are using U2 songs in services.
Dubbed the "U2charist", the good news is spreading throughout Christian churches worldwide about Episcopal Eucharist services featuring the music of U2 and leaning heavily on Bono's chosen charity causes: eliminating hunger, extreme poverty and AIDS in the third world. The services have been in line with the UN's Millennium Development Goals and have been spreading through churches for about a year, but picking up more and more speed of late.Cranking up the cool, churches have embraced U2's often spiritual message, attached it to their propensity for charity, and are raking in the dollars for change. According to the U2charist myspace, the services have already collected over $10,000 for various organisations aligned with the One campaign.
Seeing earnest young Christians belting out inspiring choral versions of 'Pride (In The Name Of Love)' and 'With Or Without You' completely recontextualises these previously secular U2 hits. The services also include, of course, spoken word and prayer. But the money raised is probably a little more productive.
