Easter Joy Is For All, Says English Prelate

Archbishop of Birmingham Takes Part in Ecumenical Walk of Witness

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An Ecumenical Walk of Witness through the streets of Birmingham City Centre on Good Friday was not “a protest against commercial activities” but rather a demonstration of the Christian belief that “our Lord gave His life on the cross for the salvation of all people, for the common good, and that our Easter joy is also meant for them”.

These were the reflections of Archbishop Bernard Longley of Birmingham during his homily for the Easter Vigil. The archbishop was joined by the Anglican Bishop of Birmingham, Rev. David Urquhart, in the Good Friday walk through the city. 

During Saturday’s Easter Vigil, ten people were baptized and confirmed St Chad’s Cathedral in the city.

Addressing those about to be received into the Church, Archbishop Longley said: “You are joining us as Easter witnesses to the dying and rising of Jesus Christ.  Your new life in Christ and your fresh witness to His resurrection are fruitful signs to us of the presence of the risen Christ here among us and in that part of the world which your conversion is now transforming.  Thank you for reminding us that from the cross, from his pierced side our Lord continues to give himself to us and to a waiting world as a source of living water.”

He highlighted that just like the first witnesses of the resurrection our mission is in the midst of the world “among the people and places where the Lord wants us and where the Church’s mission belongs.”

“Easter brings new life: not the destruction of our old lives, but their transformation from within as the light of Christ penetrates and reveals the beauty and holiness that have been too long hidden in the dark,” he said.

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