NI Christians unite for annual Good Friday process ions
HUNDREDS of worshippers turned out in the rain yesterday to hear the Presbyterian Moderator deliver a message of hope for Good Friday.
The Right Rev Dr Noble McNeely led clergy from Lisburn and the surrounding area in a cross-community Walk of Witness through the city centre.
In his Easter address to the gathering, he said: “On Good Friday we are remembering the cruel crucifixion of our Saviour on a rugged cross at Calvary.
“God demonstrates his love for us in this, while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
“The cross is a picture of suffering, yet the key to healing; a picture of vicious hatred, yet the key to love.”
Rev Mervyn Ewing of Seymour Street Methodist Church, who is chairman of Lisburn City Centre Ministers Fellowship, said attendance at the annual Easter Walk of Witness was on the increase.
“I sense a rising momentum to acknowledge the significance of Good Friday,” he said.
“To be part of such an event is a very moving experience.” Rev John Brackenridge of Lisburn 1st Presbyterian Church said: “It’s an event that is open to everyone — an open invitation — and we are glad to see anyone who comes along.
“Everyone is given a warm welcome.”
Meanwhile, in east Belfast Bloomfield clergy gathered to carry the cross on their Good Friday procession, while in west Belfast parishioners from Clonard Monastery participated in the Falls/ Shankill walk.
And in the south of the city in Ballynafeigh, clergy came together to carry the cross on their ecumenical Good Friday procession. Members of Cooke Centenary Church on the Ormeau Road joined other Protestant and Catholic church members in the annual Easter witness from Ormeau Park.