THE Vicar of Bolton has called for Christians to be more "open minded" about tackling controversial issues of today.

Canon Michael Williams is holding a series of sermons on topical ethical issues of the day, which include discussions on gay and lesbian relationships and war.

The first sermon, yesterday at Bolton Parish Church, tackled the issue of designer babies.

And Canon Williams hopes that his series of sermons will challenge a few of his parishioners' minds and help tune in the Christian church to important ethical issues.

He said: "The Christian church has in the past looked inwardly on these kinds of issues, but today we want the church to try and look outwards and have an open mind. The subject of designer babies is something which has been shied away from in the past, but I believe it is something we should be talking about.

"We should really welcome these developments in medicine generally. If science can help in areas that allieviate people's suffering, then it is a good thing -- as long as there are safeguards in place."

And the Vicar of Bolton will not be afraid to talk about the normally taboo subject of gay and lesbian relationships. He said: "As a Christian we need to be careful how we apply the teachings of the Bible to modern situations, like the subject of gay and lesbian relationships. We need to hear from people who are gay and lesbian, and be able to listen to what they're saying. Anyone who is in a gay and lesbian relationship can come to my sermon and put their viewpoint across."

The series of sermons will conclude with a discussion on war. Canon Williams said: "I want to explore the general background and understanding of war in this last sermon, especially when we could be facing a possible war with Iraq.

"These discussions will not just involve me talking, they will involve everyone. I will leave time for members of the congregation at the end of my sermon to challenge any points I have made. If only two dozen people come to my sermons and we discuss these issues, then it will have been a success."

The Sunday sermons, 6.30pm, at the Parish Church are: Sunday -- Shopping and Ethics; October 27 -- Gay and Lesbian relationships; and November 10 -- War.