Geri's christianity conversion

by NILUFER ATIK, Daily Mail

She's tried yoga and cold baths in an attempt to stimulate body and soul.

Now Geri Halliwell is taking a crash course in Christianity in a more traditional route to inner peace.

The former Spice Girl, who wears a crucifix around her neck, is following a ten-week Evangelical Alpha course on the Bible and Christianity devised and run by the charismatic priest, the Reverend Nicky Gumbel.

Following in the footsteps of Samantha Fox and Jonathan Aitken, Miss Halliwell, 29, has begun attending Alpha classes at Holy Trinity Brompton church in affluent Knightsbridge, London.

The courses, which are popular among young high- flyers, are designed to appeal to atheists and involve a series of lectures in which group members are encouraged to 'explore the meaning of life'.

But 'Alphaism' is frowned upon by a growing number of Anglican and Roman Catholic clergy because of its evangelical approach.

They claim the teachings - which promote celibacy outside marriage and are said to discourage homosexuality, divorce and abortion - are manipulative, authoritarian and superficial.

However, backed by a £1million advertising budget, the classes have been a huge success and have been completed by two million Britons.

Alpha is also considered by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, to be one of the Church's strongest tools in attracting back lapsed Christians.

Miss Halliwell, who has not been baptised and has said in the past she is agnostic, decided to begin the course at Holy Trinity Brompton after it was recommended by friends.

The programme comprises weekly meetings during which members discuss topics such as the life of Jesus, the force of evil and the power of healing.

Students pray together, sing hymns and hold discussions about religion as well as their personal spiritual struggles. There is also a Holy Spirit weekend in West Sussex.

Miss Halliwell has maintained a low profile during visits to the church and has used back entrances to avoid being seen.

Mr Gumbel tells new members: 'Don't worry, we are not going to pressurise you into doing anything. Perhaps some of you are sitting there sneering. If you are, please don't think that I'm looking-down at you. I spent half my life as an atheist. I used to go to talks like this and I would sneer.'

Former Page Three model Miss Fox claimed Alpha transformed her life.

But Holy Trinity Brompton spokesman Mark Elsdon Dew said the names of students were always kept confidential.

'We want everyone to feel comfortable about coming on Alpha,' he added.

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