EASTER: Prime Minister David Cameron Sends Easter Greetings

by Benson Agoha

Prime Minister David Cameron, on Wednesday issued an Easter Message to Christians in which he expressed the government support for the Celebration.

 

In a two minute video message in which he could easily pass for a Pastor, the PM said his visit last month to Jerusalem, during which he saw the where Jesus Christ was born and died was an extra-ordinary experience, and enabled him to be in those places where so much history began.

 

* David Cameron: Britain is committed to protecting and promoting the right of religious freedom for Christians and other minorities at home and abroad.

 

He said, "today Easter is not just a time for Christians to reflect but also a time for our whole country to reflect on what Christianity brings to Britian", adding that, "all over the UK, everyday, there are countless acts of kindness carried out by those who believe in, and follow Christ."

 

He said the heart of Christianity is to 'love thy neighbour', and millions do really live that out.

 

David Cameron said "I think of the Alpha courses run in our prisons, which work with offenders to give them a new life inside and outside prison, or the soup kitchens and homeless shelters run by churches."

 

He said the same spirit was evident during the terrible storms that struck Britain earlier this year, and that from Somerset to Surrey, from Oxford to Devon, "churches became refuges, offering shelter and food, congregations raised funds and rallied together, parish priests even canoed through their villages to rescue residents. They proved, yet again, that people’s faith motivates them to do good deeds."

 

The PM sais such acts of kindness was "something this government supports and celebrates, and it’s why we have announced more funding for the Near Neighbours programme bringing together even more faiths in even more cities to do social action."

 

He enjoined everyone to think of others even "as we celebrate Easter" adding "let’s also think of those who are unable to do so, the Christians around the world who are ostracised, abused - even murdered - simply for the faith they follow."

 

The PM said religious freedom is an absolute, fundamental human right and that Britain is committed to protecting and promoting that right, by standing up for Christians and other minorities, at home and abroad.

 

"Our hearts go out to them, especially at this special time of year," he said adding "so as we approach this festival I’d like to wish everyone, Christians and non-Christians, a very happy Easter."

 

* To read the full `as is' message, visit www.gov.uk.

 

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