Queen Elizabeth: ‘Easter Isn’t Cancelled’, Take ‘New Hope’ from ‘Risen Christ’

Queen Elizabeth II has delivered what is believed to be the first-ever Easter message of her 67-year reign, offering a message of hope to people confined to their homes throughout the holiday by the coronavirus pandemic.

The 93-year-old monarch — who also serves as Supreme Governor of the Church of England — recorded this message in the drawing room of Windsor Castle, where she is herself in self-isolation as a result of the pandemic.

The Queen recalled how “many Christians would normally light candles together” on Holy Saturday, the sombre day preceding Easter Sunday when Christ lay in his tomb — and, according to Christian teaching, descended into Hades and preached to the dead.

“This year, Easter will be different for many of us, but by keeping apart we keep others safe,” the Queen said.

“But Easter isn’t cancelled; indeed, we need Easter as much as ever. The discovery of the risen Christ on the first Easter Day gave his followers new hope and fresh purpose, and we can all take heart from this,” she added.

“We know that coronavirus will not overcome us.”

The Queen’s Easter message can be viewed or read in full below.

Many religions have festivals which celebrate light overcoming darkness. Such occasions are often accompanied by the lighting of candles. They seem to speak to every culture, and appeal to people of all faiths, and of none. They are lit on birthday cakes and to mark family anniversaries, when we gather happily around a source of light. It unites us.

As darkness falls on the Saturday before Easter Day, many Christians would normally light candles together. In church, one light would pass to another, spreading slowly and then more rapidly as more candles are lit. It’s a way of showing how the good news of Christ’s resurrection has been passed on from the first Easter by every generation until now.

This year, Easter will be different for many of us, but by keeping apart we keep others safe. But Easter isn’t canceled; indeed, we need Easter as much as ever. The discovery of the risen Christ on the first Easter Day gave his followers new hope and fresh purpose, and we can all take heart from this. We know that coronavirus will not overcome us.

As dark as death can be—particularly for those suffering with grief—light and life are greater. May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future. I wish everyone of all faiths and denominations a blessed Easter.

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2020/04/11/queen-elizabeth-easter-isnt-cancelled-take-new-hope-from-risen-christ/

Well hand over all that land you own you old hag

Coronavirus Crisis: Refugee Agencies Lobby for Mass Immigration to U.S.

Refugee contractors, partially funded by American taxpayers, have lobbied for mass immigration to the United States during the Chinese coronavirus crisis.

President Trump’s administration has implemented travel bans on China, Iran, and Europe to stop the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S. The nation’s leading health experts have said the travel bans are vital to slow the spread, and 95 percent of Americans support the travel bans.

Refugee contractors, like the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) and Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), have issued statements supporting House Democrats’ “No Ban Act” to end presidential-issued travel bans and continued refugee resettlement into the U.S.

“While we understand the challenges of responding to a global pandemic, we are deeply saddened that on the very day we mark the 40th anniversary of the landmark Refugee Act of 1980, the United Nations has suspended refugee flight departures,” LIRS President Krish O’Mara Vignarajah said in a statement after the United Nations announced they would suspend facilitating refugee resettlement.

“We pray that this action does not keep refugee children and families in harm’s way at this difficult time,” Vignarajah said.

Likewise, in early February, HIAS officials issued a statement in support of the No Ban Act which would have prevented Trump from immediately issuing travel bans on China, Iran, and Europe to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

HIAS officials said:

While we started helping Jewish refugees fleeing religious persecution, we recognize that the right to refuge is a universal human right, and HIAS is now dedicated to providing welcome, safety, and freedom to refugees of all faiths from around the world. We therefore urge committee members to pass … the [No Ban Act,].

HIAS officials also thanked House and Senate lawmakers for providing about $350 million for refugees abroad in their first coronavirus relief package and asked that refugees be eligible for federal financial assistance:

HIAS applauds Congress for including $350 million in funding to support the Migration and Refugee Account under the Department of State. These funds will assist the United States in better responding to the protection needs of refugee populations during this crisis. We hope in future legislative packages that Congress will address other pressing issues, including ensuring that refugees and Special Immigrant Visa holders whose travel to the U.S. has been delayed due to COVID-19 will be allowed to travel immediately, once restrictions are lifted. [Emphasis added]

We also urge Congress to extend unemployment protections to make certain that newly arrived refugees and immigrants – many of whom work in hard-hit industries like hospitality and service – will have access to important financial safety nets. HIAS urges Congress to consider all workers and families in future efforts to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. [Emphasis added]

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/04/11/coronavirus-crisis-refugee-agencies-lobby-for-mass-immigration-to-u-s/

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