EVERY WEEK WE PUBLISH a selection of letters we receive in response to something you've read at Anglicans Online. Stop by and have a look at what other AO readers are thinking.

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Letters from 17 to 23 March 2008

Like all letters to the editor everywhere, these letters are the opinions of the writers and not Anglicans Online. We publish letters that we think will be of interest to our readers, whether we agree with them or not. If you'd like to write a letter of your own, click here.

The empty tomb is the last word

The almost overwhelming poignancy of AO this week has brought me early to Good Friday! But you and I have a great advantage over those crowded, bereft, at the foot of the Cross — I (we) know that my Redeemer liveth and although man that is born of woman hath but a short time to live man that is in Christ, through the empty tomb, lives forevermore.

AO'ers worldwide hold you all in prayer

Trevor G Cowell
Christ Church, Illawarra (Anglican Parish Longford, Tasmania, Australia
Perth, Tasmania, AUSTRALIA
platcha1@optusnet.com.au
17 March 2008

Perhaps all Anglicans are cousins

My heart aches as I read your words of grief and loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

It has been a practice on Monday for years now to read your thoughts. Some articles affected me profoundly, some made me chuckle at our "funny Anglican ways".... but always I felt as though I was getting a letter from a dear friend or favorite cousin. I pray that Our Father will hold you close to him, comfort and sustain you during this time.

With much appreciation for all you do,

Your Sister in Christ,

Miriam Dixon
St. Francis Episcopal Church, Rutherfordton, North Carolina
Forest City, North Carolina, USA
mdix@nctv.com
18 March 2008

Weaving in grief with Holy Week

I am sorry for the death of your co-worker, Frederic. My mother died last year on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. Her death, for me, has become part of Holy Week, both the Good Friday-death, the Tenebrae-darkness and the Easter Resurrection. The word "vigil" means so very much. You have my prayers.

Peace be with you.

Michelle Jackson ObJN
Trinity Cathedral
Sacramento, California, USA
18 March 2008

(Ed: Thanks to all who sent private condolences to us on the death of our dear colleague, Frederic McFarland. Many of AO's staff will be gathering for his funeral in Burlington, New Jersey, USA on Tuesday, 25 March 2008. A blessed Eastertide to all.)

Earlier letters

We launched our 'Letters to AO' section on 11 May 2003. All published letters are in our archives.