Finding the Easter message when the church has died

In the middle of Easter holiday fun we hear that the church is dying and it seems to be true and its good news.

The church that thought slavery was OK died a long time ago as did the church that thought the world was flat as a chocolate bar.

The church that supported discrimination because of colour or race has died with the governments that supported it. The church that discriminated against women and prejudiced children also reached its use by date and the clock is definitely ticking for the church that wipes people who have been divorced and those seeking marriage equality.

The Easter message of freedom is unlikely to be found in the gathering dust of institutions that refuse to change.

We see the Easter story played out vividly in the global canvas in suffering, injustice and betrayal but also in communities that stand up for the vulnerable, the courage and compassion of strangers and the great strides of humanity toward justice and compassion in the face of enormous obstacles.
The Venerable Peter MacLeod-Miller Archdeacon of Albury and the Hume St Matthew’s Anglican Church Albury