Bishop of Salisbury hopes for unity during Holy Week in aftermath of spy poisoning

Bishop Nicholas told Premier it would be a ‘hopeful act’ if the community comes together in churches this Easter, following the nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter.

He said the Easter message is particularly relevant, given how tough the last few weeks have been.

“This is one of those occasions when the Christian faith speaks deeply into our present context. The terrible things that happened don’t get the last word.

In the end love, life and resurrection are where the story takes us,” Bishop Nicholas said.

He added that there are similarities between Jesus’ betrayal and Skripal’s attack.

“Salisbury has been through a difficult time, it’s got some of the same ingredients in terms of betrayal, a murderous attack and people who have been deeply injured by this,” Bishop Nicholas said.

He said that every church in the area had a Palm Sunday service which incorporate remembrance of the attack’s victims. He said churches will also use Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Services to remember what happened and encourage the community.

Listen to Bishop Nicholas speaking with Premier’s Alex Williams here: 

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Most Rev Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury has said he hopes the city will unite this Holy Week, three weeks after a former Russian spy was poisoned