Friday, February 26, 2010

How May I Direct Your Call?

New Hotline Gives Easy, Direct Access to Ministers

Non-profit organization the Bless Me Network launched the new service to fill "the need for convenient and direct access to clergy," according to an announcement Wednesday.

"We feel that in this modern day, individuals are losing touch with their church due to inconvenience and lack of time and accessibility," the organization states.

The new service is intended to "redefine the parameters by which the church and its community have mutual access" and "help foster and redevelop the relationship between these two."

Crisis hotlines for suicide, abuse or depression have been in existence for decades. Some Christian groups, including Focus on the Family and Pat Robertson's The 700 Club, offer counseling over the phone. But the Bless Me Network touts its new call-in service as the first of its kind for the Christian community.

The number (1-888-9-BLESSME) is toll free but those who want to be connected to a priest or an ordained minister must pay a fee. Half of the earnings will be directed to clergy, church, charity and humanitarian aid over the next five years, founders of the call-in service said.

FOR PURPOSES OF OUR RESPONSIBILITY UNDER THE LAW THIS SERVICE IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.

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