Portsmouth churches live-stream Easter services as lockdown measures continue

Religious leaders from across the area live-streamed traditional Easter Sunday services as churches and cathedrals, normally packed with worshippers at this time of year, remained closed.

Almost 200 people watched live as the Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Christopher Foster led the diocese’s main service – broadcast from the comfort of his own home.

He said the Easter story of Jesus’s resurrection – and the hope that followed – was a potent message at a time when the globe faced an ‘uncertain’ future.

The bishop added: ‘It was humbling to be able to speak directly into people’s homes with the message that Jesus’s resurrection can transform all our lives.

‘At this time, when so many people are grieving for the loss of loved ones, it was a privilege to be able to share the incredible Easter message, that Jesus brings us life after death, light after darkness and hope from despair – something we all need to hear in these difficult times.’

Joining him were brothers James Cuthbert, 14, George, 12, and David, 10, from Portsmouth Cathedral Choir, who sang the hymn Jesus Christ is Risen Today from their Southsea home.

James, who is the head chorister at the cathedral choir, said: ‘I was honoured to be invited to sing at the Easter service – it was amazing to be able to connect with everyone from my home.’

George said: ‘It was strange practising and performing to all those people from home but I really enjoyed it.’

While David added: ‘It was loads of fun and gave us something to concentrate on during lockdown.’

The service, staged before the Pope broadcast his Easter message from the Vatican in Italy, was hailed a success by those who tuned in.

Alexandra Bruce said: ‘It means so, so much to me since I’m on my own and my faith is so important. It’s so difficult not being able to go to church and prayer as “normal”. Therefore, this live stream service is so essential.’

Sarah Lesslie added: ‘It means so much to us having the live feed, it means we can celebrate services and have the family together through the power of technology. I feel blessed to be able to feel close to the church whilst isolated at home and part of a community and congregation.’

Elsewhere, live broadcasts were shared by dozens of other churches, including St Faiths Church, in Lee-on-the-Solent and St Wilfrid’s Church, Cowplain.

Worshippers from St Jude’s Church in Southsea were asked to record video footage of themselves each saying part of the service, while the church also staged an online children’s service.

Later the Dean of Portsmouth, the Very Rev Anthony Cane will lead an evening Easter service.

The message followed a host of other online broadcasts by churches in the area on Saturday, Good Friday and Maundy Thursday.

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