Church Leaders Release Joint Easter Statement

April 5, 2015

Some of the island’s religious leaders — including Rev. Betty Furbert Woolridge, Bishop Vernon Lambe, Bishop Nicholas Dill, Bishop Lloyd Duncan, Bishop R.J Kurtz, Major Frank Pittman, and Pastor Kenneth Manders — issued a joint statement regarding the Easter season and the importance of showing respect to one another, saying that “in doing so, we are able to access the collective potential of the Bermuda Family.”

The joint statement said, “We, the undersigned, wish to use this opportunity, to join together in addressing our fellow island residents.

“This is the Season for reflection of Christ’s Resurrection and offers the opportunity for the renewal of body, mind and spirit. We see around us new growth in flora and fauna; Spring flowers blooming, young birds emerging from their shells and whales travelling north; reminding us of the abundance that is supplied.

Slideshow of some of the Bermuda Easter Lilies grown this year


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“This time also offers the human family an opportunity to renew itself, both individually and collectively.

“Our island continues to journey through some difficult challenges. This makes the potential of this time of rebirth that much more important.

“Key to this renewal, is to appreciate the assets that we possess, the collective potential at our disposal. We suggest that we find guidance in the knowledge that we are all made in the image and likeness of our Creator. This is true, regardless of our gender, ethnicity, cultural lifestyle or political affiliation.

“In addition, we are called to Love our neighbours as we Love ourselves. This commandment is clearly not predicated on whether or not we agree with that ‘neighbour’.

“Implicit in this call is the knowledge that as the diversity of flora and fauna adds to the richness and sustainability of an ecosystem; so does the diversity of opinion and views add to the potential richness of the collective wisdom of any community.

“With that understanding, we are encouraged to exercise the utmost respect – even reverence – for one another- and those varied perspectives held. In doing so, we are able to access the collective potential of the Bermuda Family, so that we can address our current shared challenges and work together for the benefit of upcoming generations.”

“Happy Easter.”

The letter is signed as being supported by:

  • Rev. Betty Furbert Woolridge – AME Church
  • Bishop Nicholas Dill – Anglican Church
  • Bishop Lloyd Duncan – Church of God
  • Bishop R.J Kurtz – Roman Catholic Church
  • Major Frank Pittman – Salvation Army
  • Pastor Kenneth Manders – Seventh Day Adventist Church
  • Bishop Vernon Lambe – 1st Church of God’s, Bishop Vernon Lambe –

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Comments (11)

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  1. unus sed leo says:

    The human condition (family).Well put…..There comes a point when you have to realise that you’ll never be good enough for some people.
    The question is.
    Is that your problem or theirs.On common ground observances should be meeted ,things of mutual interest ….treat others as you would be treated…..I try to …..pay it forward …so to speak…at least three times a day.You would be suprised what just a smile and a frindly greeting will do to the prospective of the recipient.It is an investmet you actually make for your self .If a large quantity of people just made concerted effort to observe common courtesy…i think it also serves yourself at a base level too……well today Suzoosh rises….oh happy day!

    • Mockingjay says:

      I wonder how long it’s gonna take for Spiritual Leaders to eradicate Easter from their vocabulary which is a Pagan terminology.
      Most wars that occurred in the world were from Religion or a Superior ideological Belief .
      Most occasions are commercialized and its all about the $$$.
      Love is treating people how they treat you we’ve been duped into Loving people even though they persecute you and do all manner of evil against you, that’s how indigenous people lost their land and Culture and in Bermuda were there is a superficial image of unity where we’ve still not healed from centuries of economic and social injustice.
      Happy Pagan Day

  2. Dorinda Nusum says:

    Wonderful! The church (God’s people) needs to bond and work together on behalf of all mankind. A war is being waged and God needs all members of His army to unite and fight on His behalf. What a great display of respect and responsibility. May you all have a blessed Easter.

  3. Paz says:

    war … army … fight

    Sounds familiar.

    Which of God’s people are you referring to? Does that include Muslims? Hindus? Buddhists? Is everyone else excluded?

    There are enough armies out there fighting on His behalf. Do we really need more armies fighting more wars in order to spout their rhetoric and shove it down everyone else’s throat?

    The statement of love and respect is a worthy one. It stands on its own.

    • Mockingjay says:

      First we need to confront the subliminal and hypocritical war in Bermuda of Racial Denial, Religious Indifference, Economic Discrimination and Social Apartheid until then we’re just pissing in the wind.

  4. St. D says:

    All of God’s people, regardless of belief. Love, respect and upholding the dignity of each individual.

    • Common sense says:

      May I suggest a very slight amendment to to St.D’s statement, “All people, regardless of belief. Love, respect and upholding the dignity of each individual.”

  5. unus sed leo says:

    ah …well…i am a great and sublime fool. ..but i am Gods’ fool and all His work must be contemplated with respect ….Mark Twain

  6. Rockfish#1 and #2 says:

    How can these”leaders” expect we sinners to work together etc when they cannot sort out their own differences? It’s called leading by example.
    I am still waiting for a Roman Catholic Bishop to preach in an Adventist church. Or for an Adventist pastor to preach in a Roman Catholic church.
    The list goes on…………

    • Mockingjay says:

      Don’t hold ya breath, that’s like a Grand Wizard speaking at a Black Panther meeting.
      Some things are just sacrilegious in our society and the word AGAPE LOVE overused.

  7. Longtail says:

    The lillies look beautiful

    Let God Bless Bermuda