Easter: A Message of Hope Against Hate

The growing trends of hate, hostility, majoritarianism and xenophobia, continue to create fear, anxiety, and violent hate crimes. For many people from minoritised backgrounds, concerns for safety and survival are painfully real.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) Easter message reflected on how we can celebrate Easter in a time of war, economic injustice, sexual violence, political oppression, climate disasters, and religious persecution. People are in despair and they are desperately looking for hope.  “And that’s what the season of Lent climaxing into Easter is all about; it is about hope, in Jesus conquering death, so ‘ALL’ may have life and have it more abundantly”, stated Revd Phil Horner, Chair of GRASSROOTS Luton. “As Easter Christians, rooted in Christ’s sacrificial love, we are the bearers of new life. And therefore, Lent & Easter is about hope that no matter how dark the world may appear, our stories can be different; and that good can, and will triumph and all can be made new”.

Pope Leo also urged world leaders to “come back to the table” to resolve conflicts through dialogue, reduce violence, seek solutions, and promote peace.

The WCC message described Easter as “one big source of hope in these troubled times,” noting that Jesus inspired the people of his time through words of love and hope, acts of healing, and by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds into one loving community. A Church Times social media post sated "The Cross and the Gospel of Christ must never be co-opted to support the messages that breed hostility towards others. Its message never legitimises rejection, hatred or superiority towards people of other cultures."

Across several parts of Luton, churches joined together in traditional Walks of Witness. Alongside fasting, prayer, and reflection on Scripture, Christians from different denominations processed through the streets carrying the cross, recounting Jesus’s journey to crucifixion and reflecting on how he was mocked, and humiliated. Many also reflected on the parallels with the experiences of individuals and communities today who are also misunderstood, despised, mocked and humiliated.

May this Easter celebration help us to connect with all people on this earth, who are created in God’s image, and are loved by God regardless of race, religion, nationality, caste, colour or creed!