Chrissie plans to take Christian message to youth (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Chrissie plans to take Christian message to youth

A NEW deanery youth worker has just started work in the Fairford and Lechlade area.

Chrissie Rose, 20, has moved to the area from Salisbury, where she grew up, and has already set about getting to know youngsters in the area.

"I want to meet as many youngsters as I can to find out what I can do for them and what they think the important local issues are," she said.

Chrissie, who studied for a year to gain a certificate in Christian youth work, will be working with youngsters aged between 11 and 18. "This can be a difficult age-group to be a Christian," she said. "It is important to give support to those children."

Chrissie is planning to work closely with Farmor's School in Fairford and is hoping to organise a meeting with youngsters to discuss issues affecting teenagers in the area.

Over the past year Fairford residents have complained bitterly about anti-social youths racing cars and scooters in the market square as well as rising levels of vandalism in the town.

Chrissie is planning to meet youngsters on the streets in the evenings. "The problem is that the kids have nowhere to go," she said. "There is not much for youngsters to do around here."

Chrissie, who has moved to Fairford, admits she holds some controversial views on the Church, and does not believe in the ordination of women priests.

"It has caused such a split in the Church, and I think we should be working towards unity," she said. "A lot of people do not find it acceptable, and I think it is very important that you stand up for what you believe in. "Personally, I would rather receive Communion from a man than a woman, that's just what I believe at the moment. "I think the Church of England has become quite weak in many ways recently."

Chrissie is on a three-year contract, and eventually she would like to study for a degree in youth work.