Local Christians from both Protestant and Roman Catholic churches in the Ballynafeigh area of Belfast 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, 18 April, at 11.30am.
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 uncertainty in the political process 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 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.
'Against the background of local, national and international news, the message of Easter needs to be heard loud and clear,' says Dr Wesley Blair, chairman of the Ballynafeigh Clergy Fellowship. 'We pause on Good Friday to reflect on Christ's sacrifice for us all aware that Easter Sunday and the resurrection are just around the corner. It's Friday, but Sunday is coming.'
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
PCI Home . . . Press Office . . . News Archive