Nicola Sturgeon: First Minister says she’s ‘deeply moved’ by work of Christians as she delivers Easter message

Nicola Sturgeon has said she is “deeply moved by the work of Christians” who will not be able to “come together in the usual way to celebrate Christ’s resurrection” this Easter.

Issuing her Easter message, Scotland’s First Minister praised the role of Christian values during the coronavirus crisis and the sacrifices made by faith communities.

The most important day in the Christian calendar will be celebrated in churches on Sunday after the pandemic closed places of worship in March 2020.

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Following the winter lockdown, the Scottish Government’s route map back to normality allowed churches to reopen from March 26, though a legal challenge to restrictions by church leaders led to them reopening two days earlier.

In a message to those celebrating the holy day, Ms Sturgeon said restrictions on capacity in churches “mean this Easter still won’t be completely normal for Christians across our country”.

“Many will still take part in religious services virtually, but won’t be able to come together in the usual way to celebrate Christ’s resurrection,” she said.

She added that Easter is a time for celebration, but also “a time for reflection and prayer”.

“In these times of crisis, the central Christian values of kindness, compassion and love are more important than ever,” she said.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon holds a basket at Ruchill Park in Glasgow.Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon holds a basket at Ruchill Park in Glasgow.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon holds a basket at Ruchill Park in Glasgow.

“And looking back on the last year, I have been deeply moved by the work of Christians in Scotland, who have come together to help those in most need during these difficult times.”

Reflecting on the “joy and hope of the Easter message”, she wished Christians celebrating in churches and at home a “happy, healthy and peaceful Easter”.

In his Easter message, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said there is a “sense of hope and optimism” as we “begin to come through” the coronavirus crisis.

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He added: “And for that I want to say thank you to all our amazing frontline workers who have continued to go above and beyond.

“And I hope we can capture that spirit of hope and optimism, to pull our country together, to focus on national recovery and come through this crisis as a stronger and fairer nation.

“So, I hope you have a great Easter weekend – happy Easter.”

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