Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

There is an African Proverb that says, “However, long the night, the dawn will break.”

On this glorious day, Christians across every tongue, tribe, and nation gather together to proclaim the most world-changing truth in all of human history: the tomb is empty, death is defeated, and Jesus Christ reigns as Lord.

Easter is not just a symbol or a season. It is a fact — the bodily resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the first-fruits of a new creation.

Because He lives, we live. Because He has conquered sin and death, there is no corner of this earth, no depth of suffering, no weight of grief that stands beyond the reach of His resurrection power and endless love.

To our brothers and sisters around the world — in seasons of joy and in seasons of persecution — we say with one voice: Hold fast in the hope of the resurrection. The risen Christ holds you, He sees you, and He hears your prayers.

He who walked out of the grave on the third day is the same Lord who walks with you today. And as we joyfully proclaim every week in our services, Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again. 

This Easter, may the living hope of the resurrection fill your hearts, strengthen your faith, and send you out as witnesses to the world that Jesus Christ is alive — and that His Kingdom shall have no end.

Let us pray together:

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may, by your life-giving Spirit, be delivered from sin and raised from death; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Grace and peace,

The Most Revd Dr Laurent Mbanda
Chairman of the Global Anglican Council
Easter Day, 5th April, 2026