Press Releases11 Apr 04

Extracts from Archbishop Eames' Easter sermon

EXTRACTS FROM THE EASTER DAY SERMON 2004

of the Archbishop of Armagh
the Most Revd Dr. Robin Eames
Easter Day, 11th April 2004

It is difficult for many committed Church people to come to terms this Easter with the fact that the Gospel they proclaim does not command the attention of vast parts of our society.

The Resurrection proclaimed from pulpits and sanctuaries lies at the centre of Christianity. But for much of our community there are more pressing issues this Easter morning.

It is not that all of society has turned its back on the basics of Christian belief it is rather that a degree of urgency in accepting the Gospel story of Easter has been lost.

Secular society is now a fact of Irish life. The seemingly important issues now turn on such as economic efficiency, community development, increasing crime figures, public health and recreation. Important as such issues may be individual and community values are more and more based on the principles of the market place.

Pluralism is an admirable vision for Ireland. But the Christian Church needs to recognise that its message now needs to compete as never before with a myriad of other philosophies and value codes which do not have the Resurrection as their core truth.

It is a sobering fact for the Church that the real Gospel of Easter must be expressed in ways which appeal and call for attention which prove it is relevant, necessary and vital for the new Ireland.

It has to compete for attention in contemporary society in ways past generations would never recognise.

It has to remind the community that its eternal values still hold the key to lasting hope, satisfaction and fulfilment for individuals as well as for society as a whole. It has to recognise the secular society not as an enemy but as a challenge.