(Photo: Mohammed Talatene/dpa/Alamy Live News)
As the world celebrated Easter, leading figures in the Christian community used the occasion to advocate for global peace. The interim head of the Church of England, Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, emphasized the urgent need for divine peace amidst ongoing conflicts in regions such as Gaza, Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Archbishop Cottrell highlighted the importance of Jesus Christ’s teachings, stating that the world risks losing “values of trust and compassion which bind us, one to another across the world and across barriers of difference.” He warned that without these values, society is “adrift” and “at sea.”
He continued by stressing the necessity of Christ’s peace in various spheres of life, including homes, streets, and countries experiencing turmoil like Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, and the DRC. The Archbishop condemned the divisive forces that “drive wedges between communities, breed hatred and promote greed.”
Meanwhile, at the Vatican, Pope Francis, despite appearing frail, addressed thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square with his Easter Urbi et Orbi message. His speech, read by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, called for worldwide peace and disarmament.
The Pope expressed concern over the Holy Land, describing it as “wounded by conflict” and plagued by “endless outbursts of violence.” He extended solidarity to the people of Gaza, urging the release of Israeli hostages and greater access to humanitarian aid.
Pope Francis lamented the ongoing conflict’s impact, noting it leads to a “dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation.” He called for an “immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip” and emphasized the need for the hostages’ release and humanitarian aid access.
This Easter was notably unique, as both Eastern and Western Christian traditions observed it on the same day, an occurrence that typically varies each year.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
