A vicar has launched a live online chat room so worshippers can get spiritual advice at home.

Canon Dr Graham Kings, the vicar of Islington, hopes Londoners will log on to chat with him when he starts his first web session on Saturday.

Dr Kings, 54, will broadcast live every week from noon until 1pm from the vicarage of St Mary's Church in Upper Street. He said: "I hope it will get people thinking about their faith and asking me questions. They will be able to talk to a vicar live and get instant answers on anything, such as the meaning of life."

But repenting sinners should be warned that the sessions are public - and moderated - so foul language will be edited. Confessions of a sensitive nature are not advised as they will be broadcast to other users logged on. Dr Kings said: "If there's a very personal issue they do not want anyone to see they can email me."

The father of three added: "People in the chat room can talk about anything, it doesn't need to be Christianity. It's an online seminar where people can share something very deep and I hope they will. I want it to be personal, but people should know that everyone can see."

Dr Kings and his artist daughter Miriam, 24, came up with the chat room idea. Its launch coincides with his new book, Signs And Seasons, a guide to spiritual growth and the Christian calendar.

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