Christians in Cornwall are setting the agenda as the county hosts the G7 summit over the next few days.

Speaking to Premier, the Right Reverend Philip Mounstephen says that the summit is a reminder that while the leaders are the most powerful in the world, everyone is answerable to the highest power of all - God. 

The G7 summit is being held in the Cornish village of Carbis Bay, near St Ives, until 13th June. President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emanuel Macron are among the leaders attending. 

Churches and young people are taking the opportunity to put Christianity right at the heart of the event.    

International prayer zooms, a three-day prayer event and a special song, Sing2G7, sung by Truro Cathedral choristers with a message for the world leaders, are among some of the events aimed at promoting a legacy for the future. 

Bishop Philip says young Christians have also written an open letter to the world leaders as part of Tearfund's "Take A Stand" campaign - which has partnered with the Diocese of Truro and Creation Fest - to urge leaders to choose people and the planet over profits:

"The summit is a big occasion and we've been very busy. As the church down here in Cornwall, we've focused particularly on projects and initiatives that focus on young people, making sure that the voices of young people are heard and also on care for creation."

There is a ring of steel around the area where the summit is being held, with thousands of security personnel deployed to protect some of the most powerful people in the world.  But Bishop Philip says this gives an opportunity to put life into perspective:

"As Christians, our God really is God of the whole world. He has no rivals, he is bringing in His Kingdom and we need to be partners with him. Remember that the Government sits on the shoulders of our Saviour and not on the shoulders of the G7. I think, as Christians we need to have broader horizons and a bigger agenda that is around the coming of the kingdom in all its fullness."

Bishop Philip says he is delighted that Cornwall has been chosen as the location of the summit:

"There's a long history of Cornwall being a place where good new initiatives begin. It's a very natural place for pioneering people in Christian ministry and mission to come and do new, fresh and innovative things."