News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

cross-in-hands-main_article_image.jpg
UK News

Bishop: Don't let lunar calendar debate overshadow Easter's true meaning

The Right Reverend Paul Ferguson, who is the Bishop of Whitby, says he would be sad to see Holy Week no longer determind by the lunar calendar.

Northumbria's King Oswiu ruled at the Synod of Whitby in 663/664 A.D. his kingdom would follow the lead of Rome and observe Easter according to the moon.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has said he would like to see churches across the Christian spectrum unite and celebrate Easter on a fixed date.

The proposal has prompted concern in Whitby from people who fear the move could remove part of the seaside town's heritage.

Speaking earlier on Premier's News Hour programme, Rt Revd Paul Ferguson said: "The most important thing is that we think about what it's all about; the blood of Christ on Good Friday [and] Christ's victory over death on Easter Sunday.

"When we celebrate Easter actually pales in significance beside those great truths and that wonder.

"Personally, I'd be a little bit sorry if we lost the link with the lunar calendar because the date of Easter is fixed partly by the dates of the moon but, even if we do fix the date of Easter, it's going to be the result of a marvelous collaberation of Christians of all traditions who've never been able to work together in this way before.

"Even if we do loss that little bit of history, there will be a virtue out of it and something we'll be able to celebrate.

Listen to Premier's Antony Bushfield speaking to Rt Revd Paul Ferguson on the News Hour:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate