Good Friday, 25 March 2005

EASTER MESSAGE OFFERS HOPE TO INDIVIDUALS AND GLOBAL COMMUNITY – Anglican Bishop

''In a world marked by terrorism and catastrophe, Easter offers a message of hope and love'', says Anglican Bishop Richard Randerson, Dean of Auckland’s Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Assistant Bishop of Auckland.

“The crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday shows the extent of malign influences in the world, both then and now. But his resurrection at Easter shows the triumph of life over death, good over evil. The Easter message of new life in Jesus brings hope to individuals in time of trauma and loss, and opens the way to justice and peace on the world scene”.

Bishop Randerson says that Easter congregations remain steady in numbers, and that other evidence shows people revisiting spirituality as part of their daily life. "People see in Christian faith basic qualities of trust, love, reconciliation and harmony, and recognise these as the building blocks of personal living and global well-being”.

“Here at Holy Trinity Cathedral, as in other churches, we see growing numbers of baptisms and weddings. People seek out the spiritual dimension of life, especially at key points such as birth and marriage, and in dying. There are also growing numbers of children seeking places in church schools.

“At Easter, people reflect on the message of the season. They understand the basics that evil, injustice and loss may be overcome by God’s love. They note how the lives of Jesus’ disciples were changed in three days from despair to hope, trust and renewed confidence”. (Ends)

Bishop Richard Randerson,
Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral
Assistant Anglican Bishop of Auckland

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