Clergy share Easter message
Sunday, April 12, 1998BY JULIE IRWIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Amid the holiday bustle of egg hunts, brunches and new frocks, Christians today celebrate the central belief of their religion: that Jesus, after being crucified for the sins of humanity, rose from the dead and thereby won victory over death for his followers.
Members of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Kenwood prepare to take communion at Saturday's Easter service.
(Steve Shaffer photo)
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The Enquirer asked some Tristate Christian leaders to explain the holiday's importance. Their responses:
The Rev. Samuel E. Roberson, general presbyter of the Presbytery of Cincinnati: "Easter proclaims the Christian affirmation that life is stronger than death. Easter sounds our wake-up call to respond to a broken world. Easter inspires us to witness to Jesus Christ by living lives of hope and forgiveness and working for peace and justice. The church's heart and action are Easter-driven." Mary Lou Weaver, moderator of the Miami Baptist Association: "Easter celebrates God's unconditional love, victory over sin and death and the promise of eternal life for all who believe in the risen Christ."
The Right Rev. Herbert Thompson Jr., Episcopal bishop of Southern Ohio: "Easter is the Christian affirmation that God loves life. Through the Resurrection, Jesus Christ overcame the pain and sorrow of death and achieved new life for us all. It exists not only beyond the grace, but in the world in which we live. Easter means that, out of all life's tragedies, injustices and difficulties, God can bring hope and promise. Because Jesus is alive, so are we, now and forever."
The Most Rev. Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Catholic archbishop of Cincinnati: "At Easter we remember that Christ lives. We remember that Christ's life is extended to us and that we live in him. We remember that there are far deeper dimensions to our human existence than mere survival in a rat race. That is pretty important."
Senior Bishop Nathaniel Linsey, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church: "The resurrection of Jesus Christ is good news for the world. It communicates to us that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and is king of kings and lord of lords. The message is very important for men and women, boys and girls who have lost hope and whose dreams and ambitions have been shattered by the storms and difficulties of life. This message gives new life and restoration to all who believe in him. In him, we have the victory."
The Most Rev. Robert W. Muench, Catholic bishop of Covington: "Without Jesus' resurrection there would be no Christianity today. The gospel writers record hesitancy, reluctance and even outright disbelief by his followers in the reports that Jesus had been raised. What unspeakable joy entered their hearts as they personally experienced the risen Christ. God calls us again today to ponder the profound reality of Jesus' resurrection."
The Rev. Aaron Greenlea, president of the Greater Cincinnati Baptist Ministers Conference: "Easter is the highest of holy days to us in the Baptist tradition. This is the celebration of our resurrected Lord. The Scripture teaches that without a resurrection, my preaching is in vain."
Local Headlines For Sunday, April 12, 1998
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If they build it, the gawkers will come
Gaggle of companies involved in the project
Voters split on Issue 2
Child welfare system going to computer
Children's Home to close doors
Clergy share Easter message
Tristate police officers become adept bicyclists
Guilty plea will bring treatment in Kenton drug court
Kiwanis tees up benefit event Golf helps fund scholarships
Little Brothers volunteers befriend isolated elderly
Men's ministry conference expects to draw thousands
Passage of levies deemed critical
Pendleton County gets manufacturer
Simon Kenton trying to make big changes
Streets closed due to rock-throwing boy
Teaming up against leukemia
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