WORSHIPPERS will use the songs of U2 to worship God – and to raise awareness about tackling poverty, prejudice and climate change.

The so-called ‘U2Charist’ is a Communion service that uses songs such as Beautiful Day, One, When Love Comes To Town and I Still Haven't Found What I’m Looking For in place of traditional hymns or worship songs. The first such service in Portsmouth’s Anglican diocese will be at St Francis Church, Leigh Park, from 7.30pm on Sunday 26 October.

The service will use specially-created videos, which use U2’s music alongside images of global poverty and human need. Worshippers sing along to lyrics which appear on the screen.

The videos aim to raise awareness about the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals, which include ending poverty and hunger, securing universal education, promoting gender equality, combating HIV/Aids, and ensuring environmental sustainability by 2015. All UN members have agreed to meet these goals.

U2 lead singer Bono is a global ambassador for the Millennium Development Goals, and money donated during the service goes to charities working to these ends.

Organiser the Rev Tim Jessiman, vicar of Hart Plain Church near Waterlooville, said: “The great thing about using U2 songs are that they are full of genuine Christian spirituality. The lyrics to Peace on Earth, Yahweh or 40 – which are the words to Psalm 40 from the Bible – wouldn't seem out of place in our hymn books.

“People might imagine this is something that might appeal to teenagers. In fact, it's more likely to appeal to those in their 30s and 40s who have grown up with the music of U2.

“It’s something that only started in the UK last year, but it's a good way of attracting those who might not otherwise think about coming to church – and to raise awareness about tackling poverty and other issues.”

Plans are also being drawn up for a similar U2Charist in Portsmouth Cathedral next year – but with a live band recreating the U2 sound rather than videos. It will be part of a series of innovative Communion services held in different styles during 2009, for worshippers across the diocese to experience and then replicate in their own churches, if appropriate.

The first U2Charists happened in the USA in 2005, but it has also been used in New Zealand and Hong Kong. The first such service in the UK was in Lincoln last year.