Bishop: 'Northern Ireland is blessed to mark Easter in freedom - not everyone is so lucky'
As Northern Irish Christians mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ tomorrow, a bishop has urged them to spare a thought for believers everywhere who cannot do the same.
Anglican Bishop of Connor George Davison said not everyone is as “blessed” with the same freedom to worship, including those in families which would “react violently to their faith in Jesus”.
Politicians in the province also made the same point, with Alliance's Sorcha Eastwood sharing the story of a man in Mozambique who was nailed to a tree by Islamist extremists, for example.
The DUP, UUP and TUV leaders all issued messages of their own, with Gavin Robinson saying “we should never take Easter for granted” because countless others “cannot mark the death and resurrection of Christ in public, and they do so at great personal risk”.
Tomorrow Christians will attend dawn services marking the resurrection, and the News Letter lists scores of them inside.
Bishop Davison told the News Letter: “On Easter morning Christian people across Northern Ireland will gather to worship in churches, at seashores, on hilltops and in a host of other venues to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, with its message of hope and life for all who believe.
“We are blessed to be able to meet together and encourage one another as we share the Easter message – 'Christ is risen!'
“There are many Christians who will not be able to share in such gatherings. Believers who live under threat of persecution, from authoritarian regimes or from communities and families who would react violently to their faith in Jesus.
“As we gather in celebration, I hope that we will take a moment to pray for those whose Easter faith must be celebrated quietly, privately.
"May their Easter hope be real and deep and life-giving, despite their current need to treasure it discretely."