Ormeau Christians Gather Around The Cross For Easter Prayer

As tension again rises on the Lower Ormeau Road, local Christians, Protestant and Roman Catholic, will gather for prayer around a 10 foot high wooden cross in Ormeau Park (close to entrance into the park at Candahar Street) this Good Friday, 13 April, at 11.20am.

Organised by the Ballynafeigh Clergy Fellowship the event is described as bringing the people of the area together in a public affirmation of the friendship and unity they share as followers of Jesus whose sacrifice for others they celebrate at Easter.

Rev Jim Campbell, minister of Cooke Centenary, says that at times of tension it is important to remember that what unites us far outweighs what separates us. 'It is essential to proclaim to everyone in our district that God's love, seen so vividly in the Crucifixion, is a love that cherishes equally all members of our community whatever their political views.'

In a short act of worship in the park music will be played by a local silver band and prayers will be said for the peace and wellbeing of the community.

Then, at 11.40am, the expected 300 worshippers will process behind the cross to the nearby Cooke Centenary Presbyterian Church (at the junction of Ormeau Road and Park Road) to join in a brief service of Easter reflection.

'The main purpose of our event,' says Rev Marlene Taylor, secretary of the Ballynafeigh Clergy Fellowship, 'is to remind people what is at the heart of Easter, not parades or eggs or holidays, but the demonstration of God's love for everyone and the assurance of victory over death as we trust ourselves to Jesus Christ.'

Note To Editors:

The following may be contacted for interview
Rev Jim Campbell Tel: 9064 2981
Rev Marlene Taylor Tel: 9064 5275
Fr Robert Fullerton, Chair of Ballynafeigh Clergy Fellowship Tel: 9064 1064

Cameras will be permitted to be inside Cooke Centenary Church until the end of the first hymn. Before entering the church crews should speak to the stewards to discuss their requirements.

Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org

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