Northern Ireland politicians highlight Easter's message of hope - but warn of plight facing Christians abroad
Politicians have been reflecting on the themes of hope and reconciliation in their Easter messages – as well as expressing concern about Christians across the world who still do not have the freedom to gather and worship openly.
Unionist leaders have pointed to the story of the Resurrection and the sacrifice of Jesus as a message for people today – as well as the importance of the Easter weekend for people and families across Northern Ireland.
The DUP leader Gavin Robinson said he prayed that the “simple but life-changing” Easter message would bring hope to many homes here, while the UUP boss Jon Burrows said the message of the season is one of “service, sacrifice and ultimately, hope”.
Jim Allister said he would spend the weekend reflecting “on the sacrifice of Calvary and glorious truth of the resurrection”.
The unionist leaders also raised concerns about the plight of Christians in other parts of the world – a message echoed by the Alliance Party MP Sorcha Eastwood, who said the situation globally is “hugely concerning”.
In his Easter message, Gavin Robinson said Easter “is the story of Jesus, who loved us so much that He came from heaven to earth, voluntarily went to the cross and gave His life for us”.
The East Belfast MP said: “The Bible teaches that He died for our sins, but that was not the end. On the third day, Jesus rose again. The tomb was empty, and hope was alive.
“Here in the United Kingdom, we are free to remember that story, to gather and to worship openly. Yet for many Christians around the world, that freedom does not exist. They cannot mark the death and resurrection of Christ in public, and they do so at great personal risk.
“That is why we should never take Easter for granted”.
UUP boss Jon Burrows said Easter is the most important time in the Christian calendar, and an opportunity for all of us to spend time with friends and family and to reflect on the important things in life.
“At the heart of the Easter message is one of service, sacrifice and ultimately, hope. And those are values that run deep for me, personally, and I know for many in our communities. I hope people have the opportunity to rest and renew during the Easter period.
“I also want to pay tribute to all those who will be working over Easter, our farmers, emergency services, those who work in retail and supporting our critical infrastructure. They demonstrate the Easter message through their own commitment and service”.
Jim Allister said: “With Christians across the globe, I will be reflecting this weekend on the sacrifice of Calvary and glorious truth of the resurrection.
“That selfless blood sacrifice of God the Son made the most important form of reconciliation possible - reconciliation between fallen humanity and a holy God.
“In the midst of an increasingly secular world it is all too easy to forget this foundational truth of the faith which has done so much to shape our nation”.
However, the North Antrim MP said he “cannot ignore the contrast between the fact that as Christians the world over will remember the sacrifice of Calvary, Republicans will once again profane Easter Sunday by using it as an occasion to justify and even celebrate those who visited death and destruction upon generations of innocent people”.
Alliance Party MP Sorcha Eastwood raised concerns about the persecution of Christians on the social media platform X. Her comments were in response to a post by Open Doors, who had raised the plight of a man called Ernesto from Mozambique, who was captured and tortured when Islamist militants attacked his village.
The Lagan Valley MP said: “This Good Friday, I'm thinking of those many Christians around the world who are persecuted for their faith. Ernesto's story is truly horrifying, but I'm grateful and thankful for Open Doors work that supports him and many others. More countries are on the ‘Watch List’ which is hugely concerning. Everyone should be free to practice their faith in freedom”.
After attending the cross-community Walk of Witness in Lisburn on Good Friday, Ms Eastwood described the event as “an outward symbol of our shared Christianity and humanity” which is “more important than ever”.
“With representatives and clergy from all churches in Lisburn it provides a community focal point for Holy Week and shows the strength and unity of purpose across our churches in Lisburn as we come together to mark holy week together and share it with the community”, the MP said.