THE Bishop of Winchester has released his traditional Easter message, this year with an ecological subject.

The Rt Rev Tim Dakin started by quoting John from The Bible. “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10 NRSV)

The first signs of spring arrived unexpectedly early this year. At the beginning of February, temperatures reached new winter records of 20 degrees in some areas of the country. A vast contrast to the heavy snow we experienced in last year’s Beast from the East.

This early spring appearance serves as a reminder that our natural planet and its ecosystems are under increasing pressure, experiencing extreme changes, some of which are irreversible, and that global warming is intensifying. As we become acutely aware of these events, many among us have forgone the challenge of giving up plastic for Lent in an attempt to combat the extreme level of plastic waste in our oceans. The Diocese of Winchester, along with several other dioceses, was recently awarded the A Rocha Eco Diocese Bronze Award for its commitment to good environmental and ethical stewardship. We are all called to be environmental stewards, to support the flourishment of the world and commit to serving and working for the common good.

Each year the onset of spring and seasons of Lent and Easter offer a renewed reminder of the depths of Jesus’ love for us. He sacrificed his life, endured the suffering of the cross and victoriously defeated death to conquer sin and evil. He died and was resurrected to save and grant each of us abundant new life. He offers us a firm hope for the future of a transformed world, which means the transformation of this world. Because of this, we have a responsibility for our planet and a hope for our future.

This Easter, I pray that we may be conscious of this gift of abundant new life through Jesus Christ and reflect on our individual responsibility to care for the planet and support the mutual flourishing of all people with whom we share the earth.

With every blessing,

+Tim