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In the midst of a global pandemic, the Christian story of Easter shows us the power of hope | Rev William Barber and Dr Leah Hunt-Hendrix https://t.co/5kaQTsguPX

— The Guardian (@guardian) April 12, 2020

US politics

Amid a global pandemic, the Christian story of Easter shows us the power of hope

Easter offers a moment for us to reflect on the role of suffering and the possibility of coming together as a global community

Reverend William Barber and Dr Leah Hunt-Hendrix

Sun 12 Apr 2020 18.40 BST

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In the midst of this world’s deepest darkness, the Christian story of the resurrection points towards the power of hope. As we weather a global pandemic, Easter offers a moment for us to reflect on the role of suffering and the possibility of radical solidarity.
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Suffering is not anathema to Christians. In the Christian story, Jesus – the son of the creator of the universe – willingly undergoes a painful, bloody, public death. It is the last sacrifice, so that others do not need to continue the bloodletting. This is an astounding idea, a reversal of all our dominant values, our hunger for immortality, for power, for pleasure above all else. The crucifixion is the story of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and solidarity with the world.

But the story does not end with death. It ends with resurrection, an unbelievable miracle, and with the Holy Spirit persisting in a global community.
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Christ’s life was an indictment of the Roman Empire and ultimately he was executed for his revolutionary protests. Pontius Pilate washed his hands before ordering the crucifixion, much like western governments might wash their hands today as they turn away from the suffering they could have avoided.

This Easter, the resurrection offers an indictment of empires and leaders that have become cruel in their hunger for power. But it also offers us a path forward. Though empires rise and fall, our ability to love and care for one another persists. When we press on in solidarity with those who are suffering, even when a way forward is not clear, we prepare ourselves to receive the good news of this season.

• William J Barber II is president of Repairers of the Breach and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign
• Dr Leah Hunt-Hendrix is a writer and co-founder of Way to Win

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/12/amid-a-global-pandemic-the-christian-story-of-easter-shows-us-the-power-of-hope?utm_term=Autofeed&CMP=twt_gu&utm_medium&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1586718141

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