'All is changing – but nothing has changed…'

The Resurrection of Christ that first Easter changed the lives of his friends and, in time, the world for ever. Suddenly hope, love and reassurance came into a world of darkness and fear in a new and lasting way.

This Easter Northern Ireland looks back on a year of immense social and political change. Yet not everyone has been able to accept such change. Many hearts and minds continue to be set in old ways. Suspicion and division, sectarian attitudes and so-called ‘peace-walls’ dominate in many areas of this Province.

Much has changed – but much remains the same.

The real problem in this society is that not all can identify with or accept the changes that are taking place.

Too many feel they are victims of change. They do not feel they own change. Ownership of change removes suspicion and hatred.

The Christian message of Easter speaks of hope and new beginnings for everyone. Only through the love of Christ – the real Christ of the Resurrection – will hearts and minds be changed.

Only the love of the Risen Christ will finally bring those walls down …”