We, the undersigned, wish to use this opportunity, to join together in addressing our fellow Island residents.

This is the season for reflection of Christ’s Resurrection and offers the opportunity for the renewal of body, mind and spirit. We see around us new growth in flora and fauna, spring flowers blooming, young birds emerging from their shells and whales travelling north, reminding us of the abundance that is supplied. This time also offers the human family an opportunity to renew itself, both individually and collectively.

Our Island continues to journey through some difficult challenges. This makes the potential of this time of rebirth that much more important. Key to this renewal is to appreciate the assets that we possess; the collective potential at our disposal. We suggest that we find guidance in the knowledge that we are ALL made in the image and likeness of our Creator. This is true, regardless of our gender, ethnicity, cultural lifestyle or political affiliation. In addition, we are called to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. This commandment is clearly not predicated on whether or not we agree with that “neighbour”.

Implicit in this call is the knowledge that as the diversity of flora and fauna adds to the richness and sustainability of an ecosystem, so does the diversity of opinion and views add to the potential richness of the collective wisdom of any community.

With that understanding, we are encouraged to exercise the utmost respect, even reverence, for one another — and those varied perspectives held. In doing so, we are able to access the collective potential of the Bermuda family, so that we can address our current shared challenges and work together for the benefit of upcoming generations.

HAPPY EASTER

(Supported in alphabetical order by denomination)

Rev. Betty Furbert Woolridge, AME Church; Bishop Nicholas Dill, Anglican Church; Bishop Lloyd Duncan, Church of God; Bishop RJ Kurtz, Roman Catholic Church; Major Frank Pittman, Salvation Army; Pastor Kenneth Manders, Seventh-day Adventist Church; Bishop Vernon Lambe, First Church of God.