LEADING American Baptist Tony Campolo will deliver a sermon in the world’s first 3D, interactive church this Wednesday, July 28 (15.30 EST, 20.30 BST).
Campolo, 69, makes his debut as a cartoon avatar in the pixilated pulpit of Church of Fools. He will be the first U.S. preacher in the church – following luminaries like the Rt. Rev. Richard Chartres, Bishop of London and Rev. Steve Titus, General Secretary of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA). The virtual church is a pilot project of ShipOfFools.com, the popular U.K. Christian webzine.
“If you want your religion safe and sweet, don’t embark on Ship of Fools,” said Campolo, a former spiritual adviser to President Clinton and founder of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education (EAPE). “Church of Fools is another intriguing voyage, taking even more creative risks – and I’m delighted to play a part in it.”
Campolo hopes to make more appearances to discuss issues in his latest book, Speaking My Mind (W Publishing Group), which urges church leaders to address current events but avoid partisan politics.
Church of Fools virtual includes music, morning and evening prayers, and a liturgy. After preaching, Campolo will even “meet and greet” visitors. How does he feel about becoming a cartoon preacher? “To the world, outside of God, we are all cartoons in one way or another,” he said.
Some 5,000 people log on to Church of Fools each day. A survey reveals that over 80 per cent of current visitors go to physical church less than four times a year.
Church of Fools can be found at: http://www.shipoffools.com/church/ The pilot project is due to end August 8.