ELCPNG HEAD BISHOP REV URAME GIVES HIS EASTER MESSAGE

CAPTION: Rev Dr Jack Urame. Picture supplied, ELCPNG Media

By BRADLEY MARIORI

EVANGELICAL Lutheran Church of PNG Head Bishop, Rev Dr Jack Urame said Easter is a very special time in the history of the Christian Church as it reminds us of Christ’s suffering, death, resurrection and ascension.

In his Easter message, Rev Urame said the message and the significance of Easter is still valid and fresh today for humanity across the world and reminds of what Christ did to restore man’s relationship with God and peace in the world.

“This Easter is a very special time as human aggression in the form of violence and war continues to inflict suffering on humanity and rob them of their peace, dignity, freedom and right,” Rev Urame said.

“At the global level thousands of people are dying, families are torn apart, and communities are disrupted due to the war in Europe and Middle East.

” Millions of people are seeking for the necessities of survival, that is, peace, safety, freedom, food, water, medicine and shelter.

” This Easter is a time to hold them in our prayers and ask for God’s peace, protection, care and strength upon them.”

Rev Urame said at the local level in our country, we are also aggressively confronted with evil in many different forms, which rob our people of their dignity, freedom, peace and security.

He said domestic violence, family violence, sexual violence, ethnic conflict, and many other forms of violence affect many of our people across the country.

He said this is a huge challenge to our nation as we reflect on the Easter message of peace, reconciliation, love and unity.

“In our Easter celebrations let us remember those who are affected by violence and those whose dignity, peace and freedom are suppressed by negative forces.

“Especially individuals and families who are affected by the recent evictions in the capital city. Easter is about God’s love and peace for the world but we know some will not enjoy the love and peace of Easter because they have been forced out of their homes and displaced.”
He said they will not celebrate Easter with joy because they have lost their homes and properties.

“Their families will not celebrate in harmony and unity because they are torn and broken, and their children are missing classes or their right to education is disrupted.

“This Easter I speak with heavy heart because we churches cannot joyfully proclaim the message of peace, liberation and dignity for our people when our very own government, which declare this country as a Christian country, is displacing our people and destroying their hopes and dreams for a better county through eviction and through legislation under the pretext of vagrancy act instead of finding a better alternative for our people.

“Let us pray for those who are affected by violence, by conflict, by the recent evictions and by the recent vagrancy act for God’s peace, comfort and strength to be upon them. In the midst of shadow, chaos and difficulties may they find comfort and strength in the Easter message of God’s divine love and peace for them.

“It is difficult to end my message with Happy Easter to you all but I say God be with you all and grant you peace.”