A British priest is teaching an evangelical course in the heart of Baghdad, introducing Iraqi Muslims to Christianity.

There is an element of the Christian faith in the UK that is trying to buck the long-term trend of decline in the number of followers.

Lin Hopkins had been an atheist for 15 years when she reluctantly agreed to attend an Alpha Course at the Atlanta Vineyard Church in Peachtree Corners. By the end of the course several months later, the 30-year-old's belief system had been turned upside down. And now she runs the Alpha Course at the Atlanta Vineyard.

The latest religious revival to hit Britain has more to do with pasta than pastors. Peter Rhodes reports on the astonishing success of the Alpha Course.

Basic course in Christianity takes churches by storm

Religion may be a personal choice, but Alpha has been making waves in Britain with its bold approach. The 15-week course in Christianity for unbelievers is advertised on billboards. It opts for dialogue rather than preaching. Some of its converts are politicians and celebrities; and its premises are in a wealthy London area. But its propounder Nicky Gumbel says Alpha works because it lets people come to their own conclusions.