Lent Begins  25.02.09
Easter Sunday  12.04.09
Christmas Day  25.12.09

Christianity is the largest world religion, with over 1 billion followers worldwide. There are more than 6 million practising Christians in the UK, and a total of 35 million people in Britain consider themselves to be Christians.

This religion originated in Palestine two thousand years ago and is based on the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. The Bible is the Christian holy book. It is divided into the Old and New Testaments. Parts of the writing contained in the Old Testament are also sacred to Jewish and Muslim people.

The New Testament explains how God sent his only son, Jesus Christ, to restore the broken relationship between human kind and God which had been caused by man's wrong doing. Jesus was executed on a cross as a criminal by the Romans, and according to Christian teaching afterwards rose from the dead before ascending to heaven.

Christians worship in churches and their leaders are known as priests or ministers. Christians believe that God is revealed in three different forms: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Christians model themselves on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. For instance, many churches hold a service called Communion, or Eucharist, in which bread and wine are shared together, just as Jesus did with his followers before his death.

The most important Christian festivals are: Lent, Easter and Christmas. As a result of differing interpretations of Christian scripture, different denominations have sprung up, including the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church and many others.

Why did God allow his Son, Jesus Christ, to be killed?
Christians believe that Jesus was sent by God to live life as a human except that, being Holy, he was without sin even though he was tempted just like anyone else. Christians believe that Christ died in their place, as an atonement for each person's sin. Therefore they are not slaves to laws anymore, but rather can live in the assurance of life after death because of what Christ's death and resurrection achieved.

What are some of the Christian rites of passage?
In many denominations, babies are baptised to show that the child has been accepted into the Church community. The sprinkling of water on the head symbolises new life and being washed clean from sin.

The story of how John the Baptist baptised Jesus in the river Jordan can be read in Matthew Chapter 3, verses 13-17. In some churches people are not baptised until they are at least 10 years old.

In denominations where babies are baptised, children in their early teens may also be confirmed. The child reconfirms the vows that were taken on their behalf at baptism.

What do Christianity and Judaism have in common?
Christianity and Judaism share the same roots. The Old Testament and the Torah (Jewish Holy Book) have the same content. The Jews are awaiting the coming of a Messiah or Saviour, while Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the Saviour and are now waiting for his second coming.