• The Ecumenical Way of the Cross from 11am to 12.30pm on Friday 18 April (Good Friday) at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture Chapel in Barton

Christians and inter-faith communities in the Canberra region are invited to attend the Ecumenical Way of the Cross, a progressive re-enactment of Christ’s journey to The Crucifixion, on Good Friday.

The Ecumenical Way of the Cross is from 11am to 12.30pm on Friday 18 April (Good Friday) at the Chapel of the Charles Sturt University Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture (ACC&C) in Barton.

The Ecumenical Way of the Cross has been collaboratively organised by the ACC&C, the ACT Churches Council and Impact Canberra and is a representation of the Stations of the Cross that covers the period from the Last Supper through to The Crucifixion.

Bishop Mark Short, Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn and member of the Board of the ACC&C, invites people to attend and follow the actors around the site as they move from symbolic place to place within the journey that Christ took.

Bishop Short said the Ecumenical Way of the Cross is a recognition of the meaning and importance of Easter in the Christian calendar and is an opportunity for people to increase the depth of their awareness around the persecution of Jesus and how he responded.

“The Ecumenical Way of the Cross is an expression of community and is welcoming and accepting of diversity,” Bishop Short said.

“It’s an event that brings people together from right across the Christian denominations to share in our common grieving of Christ’s crucifixion, while knowing that hope will be reborn following The Resurrection on Sunday.

“It provides a sense of togetherness, of commonality, that helps us to build safe spaces and places in which people can share, support each other and celebrate.

“The Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture is committed to fostering and developing ecumenical and inter-faith communities in which we, and the whole of creation, can flourish.”

Father Josh Scott, Interim Administrator of St Christopher’s Cathedral, returns as host of the event after an eight-year absence.

Father Scott was involved in the Ecumenical Way of the Cross when he was a seminarian, at which point he was one of the actors in the event.

Now, as Dean of the Cathedral and before he departs Canberra to respond to the calling of his faith, Father Scott brings experience and warmth to his role in the Ecumenical Way of the Cross.

The Ecumenical Way of the Cross is from 11am to 12.30pm on Friday 18 April (Good Friday) at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture Chapel, corner Blackall Street and Kings Avenue, Barton, ACT. It begins in the Chapel and progresses around the site. There is free parking on site.