The Acting Bishop of London and Bishop of Kensington and Two Cities, the Rt Revd Emma Ineson, marked Holy Week and Easter with a series of sermons, gatherings and services across the Diocese, reflecting on the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. 

Holy Week began on Palm Sunday (29 March), when Bishop Emma confirmed candidates at St Mary’s in Sunbury. As the Church remembered Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the service celebrated those who had themselves welcomed Christ as King in their lives, marking an important step in their faith journey. 

Bishop Emma also joined other Christian leaders at 10 Downing Street for an Easter celebration. The gathering provided an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from across different traditions, meet new partners, and hear encouragement from the Prime Minister on the vital role faith communities play in building a cohesive society. 

On Maundy Thursday with the Chrism Mass at St Paul’s Cathedral, where Bishop Emma presided and preached. Clergy from across the Diocese gathered to renew their vows and to bless the holy oils for use in sacramental ministry throughout the year. In her sermon, Bishop Emma reflected on shared vocation, service and faithful witness during one of the most significant moments of the church calendar. 

On Good Friday, Bishop Emma preached at the Good Friday service at All Saints Fulham, alongside Revd Peter Dobson and Revd Natasha McMichael. Spending the day with the congregation, Bishop Emma led moving reflections on the suffering and sacrificial love of Christ, inviting worshippers to pause, pray and contemplate all that was accomplished on the cross.  

The journey through Holy Week continued on Holy Saturday, when Bishop Emma presided at the Easter Vigil and Diocesan Confirmation, alongside Bishop Anderson at St Paul’s Cathedral. The service marked the transition from darkness into light, as over 120 candidates were confirmed in their faith and the church prepared to celebrate the joy of Easter. Bishop Emma shared: 

 “Eternal God, who made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of your one true light: set us aflame with the fire of your love.” 

On the morning of Easter Sunday, Bishop Emma began the day with an interview with Inspirit with Jumoke Fashola on BBC Radio London. She shared her reflections on Easter morning and the hope found in Christ’s resurrection, as well as the joy and celebration surrounding the installation of Sarah Mullaly as Archbishop of Canterbury. 

Bishop Emma also had the opportunity to visit the ringing room in the bell tower of St Paul’s Cathedral to pray with the bell ringers ahead of the Easter morning Eucharist. The moment offered a reminder of the vital ministry of bell ringers, whose work proclaims the joy of Easter morning and calls communities to come and join in worship for Christ’s victory of death. 

Later that morning, Bishop Emma preached at the Easter Day service at St Paul’s Cathedral, joining worshippers in celebrating the risen Jesus and the promise of new life. The service brought Holy Week to a joyful conclusion, proclaiming the Easter message of renewal, hope and resurrection at the heart of the Diocese.