A total of 96 churches across the Diocese of Liverpool took part in the national event, where regular churchgoers have been encouraged to invite a friend back to church and experience what churchgoing in 2008 is really like.

Stuart Haynes, media manager for the Diocese of Liverpool said: "The information that we are getting from churches across the diocese is that there has been a great response to Back to Church Sunday. It is clear that this event has given many people the opportunity to come back and see that church can be relevant in their lives today."

Research has shown that the campaign, which started in 2004 has a long term effect and is not just a day long gimmick.
Stuart Haynes added: "Back to Church Sunday sees our churches making a special effort to invite and welcome people back to church on one day.

"However, this welcome is open to everyone whatever day they want to come back to church and I am sure that our churches will want to continue to invite and welcome people back to church."