Bishop says Easter heralds a future of hope, not fear

The Bishop of Norwich said Easter pointed to a future of "hope, rather than fear".

The comment came in the Right Reverend Graham Usher's Easter message, which referred to the conflict in the Middle East.

He described how a "cloak of heavy darkness" had been "hanging in the air".

But Usher added: "Easter points not backwards, but ahead – to a future shaped by hope rather than fear, by life rather than death."

He said: "In times of conflict, darkness is not abstract.

"It is seen in ruined cities, displaced families, and the quiet anxiety carried even by those far away.

"At present, there is a sense that events are spiralling beyond control, shaped by forces we feel powerless to resist."

His message started: "Easter itself begins in darkness. Not only the dim light before dawn, but the deeper darkness of grief, confusion, and fear.

"Mary Magdalene came to the tomb while it is still dark because that is how the world felt to her.

"And, if we are honest, that is how the world can feel for many today."

Usher ended by asking people to "remain present to suffering rather than rushing past it".

He urged people to look for "unexpected signs of resurrection hope" and to let go of the past while "trusting that something new is still unfolding".

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