CAMPAIGNERS fighting to stop an airport being built at Cliffe, near Rochester, may be about to get a little divine intervention.

The Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, has called on churches across the diocese, including Rochester Cathedral, to discuss the impact of the proposals this Sunday.

The public are welcome to take part in the debate. The move follows concern throughout the diocese over the impact of the Government’s proposals.

The Rev Chris Stone, the diocese’s communications chief, said: “People are obviously interested in what the church has to say about the airport and the Bishop is interested to hear what the community has to say.”

The call follows a meeting in Frindsbury, near Strood, last month when concerns were raised about threatened destruction of villages and the potential loss of Allhallows Church and its graveyard.

Since then the Bishop has written to each church and last weekend Medway ministers read out the personal letter inviting congregations to tell him how they felt. The cathedral will be open from 5pm until about 6.30pm for the meeting, which will include prayers and discussions.

“We want it to be a period of quiet reflection, to consider the issues in a Christian context and to reflect on them,” added Mr Stone.

Canon David Grimwood, chief executive of Church in Society, will lead one session, while the Bishop will open and close the debate.

“We intend to make a diocesan response,” said Mr Stone. “It is possible that Bishop Michael will make a comment in the House of Lords, but that is still some way away.”