‘..what about the other ‘Easter Rising’, which for the vast majority of people in Christendom was a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It was most encouraging to note how the Easter story was commemorated by so many people of all denominations, not only in their churches but also by walking behind a cross in Belfast, Londonderry and elsewhere.
Though I did attend a Maundy Thursday service in my home church, I temporarily deserted my Presbyterian roots by participating in an Easter Morning service in St George’s Church, High Street, Belfast. For those who like theatricality, colourful liturgy, resonating language and good music, no church does it better than St George’s. It is also worth noting the preacher was Fr Tom Leydon SJ, who delivered as good a sermon as I have heard anywhere on Easter Day.
Not so very long ago, when people did not even dare to attend joint services, the reality of a Jesuit in an Anglican pulpit would not have been possible.
Some people in Northern Ireland would still object to this, but Christians elsewhere would hardly take it under their notice..