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National Council of
Churches USA March 23, 2008 Dear Colleague: In the history of the world, it often seems like Good Friday. As in the days of Jesus’ earthly ministry, innocent people still suffer violence, starvation and daily threats to their survival.
Observers sometimes ask how Lutherans, Orthodox, Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, Disciples, and Anglicans—of different races and cultures—can possibly pray and work together as the National Council of Churches. The answer is simple. Despite our obvious diversity, our churches join in proclaiming, “Alleluia! He is risen! Christ is risen, indeed!” Whether you are celebrating Easter this Sunday, or observing Pascha April 27, the triumph of the Resurrection is our common bond. May the joy and hope of Easter be yours. May such joy and hope move us all to act on behalf of those who suffer, that God’s will may be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Michael Kinnamon |
For
Christians, however, this is not—cannot be—the final word. Death may
seem to hold sway, but we confess that its power has been broken by the
life, crucifixion, and resurrection of the One we worship as Savior and
Lord. 