Easter calls for unity beyond race and creed, says ACS chairman

KUCHING (April 4): Easter compels the Christian community to look beyond the boundaries of creed and colour, said Rt Rev Datuk Danald Jute.

The Association of Churches Sarawak (ACS) chairman said the joy of Easter is not meant to be confined within the walls of churches or the privacy of homes.

“A transformed believer is a person sent into the world as instruments of peace and reconciliation. Our community is too often fractured by the very things that should make it beautiful: our diversity,” he said in his Easter message.

Danald said diversity should never become walls that divide the community or excuses for hostility.

“When we embrace the message of the empty tomb, we recognise that every person is a bearer of the Divine image – everyone is precious and all have dignity.

“As Easter People, may we be marked by acts and words of kindness, Let us offer hands of friendship and fellowship and build bridges of understanding, respect and acceptance,” he said.

He pointed out that Easter and the power of Easter is not merely a historical memory but a present reality for Christians who believe in Jesus.

“The Resurrection is a profound reminder that even in our darkest moments – when we face loss, uncertainty, or the shadows of a broken world, ravaged by wars and prejudices – the morning light is inevitable.

“To believe in the Risen Christ is to believe in the possibility of new beginnings. It is an invitation to step out of the shadows of fear and into the radiance of a faith that transforms the heart,” he said.

On this glorious Easter feast, he said the Christians celebrate the ultimate victory of life over death, light over darkness, and hope over despair.

“We cannot but must express our joy and gratitude for the fact that we are able to worship and commemorate and celebrate in peace and freedom,” he said.

More significantly, he said ACS is extremely touched by the warm Good Friday and Easter greetings from Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, as well as from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and other leaders.

“We thank them sincerely from the bottom of our hearts.

“May you have a blessed and holy Easter, filled with the power of the Risen Christ,” added Danald.

Association of Churches Sarawak Christian community Danald Jute Easter lead onsite