In his message for Easter, Bishop Jonathan invites people to visit a church near them this season, to share in the joy and hope found in Christ's death and resurrection.
Into our troubled, he says, "...our Christian faith speaks with both clarity and hope."
Watch his message or read it in full below
Bishop Jonathan's Easter message
It is hard to imagine a time when the world around us has been more uncertain and fearful, at least since the end of the Cold War.
The sheer volatility of world events is mind-boggling and alongside that, we are living through cultural and technological changes that few if any of us can even begin to understand.
The growth of artificial intelligence, for example, and the impact of technology especially on young people are just two reasons why so many people are increasingly anxious about what the future may bring.
It is into this world that our Christian faith speaks with both clarity and hope.
It speaks with clarity, because Jesus Christ is the living, true Way who can guide us through all the confusions of today’s world.
And it speaks with hope, because Jesus’ death on the Cross and his resurrection from the grave show us a God who has shared the depths of our suffering and who has conquered the very powers of death and hell.
This is the God in whom we can put our trust, whatever uncertainties we may face. And that is the message of hope that will be proclaimed in countless churches across this Diocese and around the world this Easter.
So may I encourage you to come along and share with us in the joy of Easter – and better still, bring your family and friends with you too!
The risen Jesus meets us in our fear and says to us “Peace be with you”. May you know his peace and blessing upon you this Easter and always.
Bishop Jonathan Gibbs
Bishop of Rochester
Find a church near you. Visit: achurchnearyou.com