South's faith leaders share Easter message of hope

Religious leaders across the south have marked Easter with messages of hope and peace at a time of global tension.

The Bishop of Oxford, Dr Steven Croft, said the world was in a "very delicate balance" but insisted he still "clings" to hope.

In Hampshire, the Archdeacon of the Meon, Kathryn Percival, said Easter showed that "life and love will always triumph".

Both pointed to the importance of unity and renewal amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Dr Croft warned of "factionalism and hatred" on a global scale.

But he said the message of Easter was one of hope, adding that "God's desire for the world is for us to live in love and peace".

Reflecting on the Artemis II mission and renewed interest in space exploration, he said journeys beyond Earth could offer a fresh perspective.

"My hope would be that a journey into outer space would show us that we are a small, fragile world," he said, adding that people must "care for one another and care for the planet together".

Across the region, church leaders said Easter remained a time of renewal and new beginnings.

The archdeacon described it as a "turning point", saying that while suffering and conflict remain real, "life and love will always triumph".

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