THE Bishop of Durham used a traditional Easter service to highlight the fear felt by Christians living in places of conflict around the world.

During a dawn service at Durham Cathedral this morning, the Right Reverend Paul Butler spoke about the fear of those around Jesus 2,000 years ago and how it must have felt when they discovered that the tomb was empty and he had risen.

He went on to talk about fear that Christians across the world feel in places of conflict and turmoil; referring to the stark reality of such situations as demonstrated by the killing of Christians in Kenya this week.

The service, often called the Dawn Vigil, involved the initiation and first communion of Easter.

The bishop baptised and confirmed one candidate and confirmed thirteen other candidates from churches across the diocese.

It marked the first service of Easter Day and symbolises the point at which it is proclaimed that Jesus has risen and his new light is cast on the world to lift it from darkness.

In his Easter message, Bishop Paul called for more to be done to help young people in the North-East to achieve their dreams.

Bishop Paul, the Church of England's lead bishop for children and young people, urged everyone to encourage young people in working towards their aspirations.

He said: “When I think of our young people, I think of the Easter story and the way that the hopes and aspirations of the Disciples were first dashed then resurrected.

“When the disciples first followed Jesus they had dawning hopes; these grew into the excitement of Palm Sunday and Jesus’s entrance into the city.

“But as the events of Holy Week unfolded the Disciples’ hopes and aspirations perhaps wobbled before they came crashing down around them as Jesus was arrested and then crucified.

“Easter Saturday must have been absolutely horrendous day for them.

“But then came Easter Sunday; the empty tomb and the resurrection; meeting Jesus again with all the renewed and new hope that brought for the Disciples.

“This Easter, I hope that we can be inspired by the resurrection in all our lives.”