22 September 2011 Last updated at 08:03 ET

'Arms length' God service launched by Salvation Army

The Salvation Army in Yorkshire has launched a new service to give people an "arms length" connection to God.

It claims that the online and mobile service it is now offering puts God into the 21st Century for those who may not connect in traditional ways.

The service will provide users with "uplifting messages" via social network Twitter and mobile text messages.

Neil Mayne, G21 mobile manager, said it was an opportunity for people to "answer some of life's questions".

As part of the online service, it will use @G21_mobile on Twitter to offer users prayer, words of encouragement and to help people to "get-to-grips with faith".

Mr Mayne added: "The service is not about preaching the Christian faith but giving people the opportunity to seek prayer or answer some of life's questions if they want to."

Chris Lee, Captain at The Salvation Army in Goldthorpe who developed the idea, said the services would not replace the traditional church but was an exciting and innovative addition of "exploring new ways of connecting with people".