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April 6, 2009
My dear ANiC Sisters and Brothers,
While I realize that numbers in themselves can be deceiving, it still gives me a certain joy to realize that when I use this salutation today it involves so many more clergy and congregations than it did when I sent Easter Greetings just one year ago. God has generously blessed our movement and for many of you the uncertainty and frustration of your time in the wilderness has come to an end.
Although we still are involved in the ongoing aspects of our struggle (especially on the legal front), Easter gives us the time to turn aside for a moment and realize that both the CROSS and the TOMB are empty. VICTORY against the unbelievable odds of sin and death has been attained – or as St Paul so eloquently phrased it "Death is swallowed up in victory".
Even in an age when the reality of Christ's bodily resurrection is being challenged from the pulpit by so called "Christian" preachers, I rejoice with so many of you in just letting the reality of this event which changed our lives forever, engulf us with joy unimaginable!
Although I am sharing Holy Week and Easter with our ANiC family on the west coast of our vast country this year, my thoughts and prayers are with so many of you from coast to coast who, with renewed vigor, are proclaiming "Our God Reigns" – even when circumstances have made it necessary to do this outside a church building that held so many warm Easter memories for you.
I believe it was Billy Graham who when asked how he knew Jesus was alive, replied "because I was talking with Him this morning". It’s as simple – and as wonderful – as that!
Bishop Malcolm and Marylou and Bishop Ron and Jan join Trudy and me in wishing you all a Spirit-filled Easter.
+Donald
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