THE Bishop of St Asaph has delivered his Easter message as parishioners mark Holy Week.

The Right Reverend Gregory Cameron aired of a note of scepticism about politics in his message, which focuses on hope.

He said: "I will lift up my eyes to the hills: from whence comes my help? This verse from Psalm 121 will resonate with all of us at some point in life; it probably resonates a great deal for Theresa May at the moment, who must feel very alone, attacked on all sides as the Brexit project gets more and more immersed in difficulty and delay.

"There are times at present when it looks as if the entire political system of the United Kingdom is falling apart."

"I’m finding the political situation is beginning to depress my outlook on life as I get up in the morning. Has Brexit arrived? No. When will it happen? Don’t know. What is going to happen? No-one has any idea."

Bishop Gregory referenced another verse in scripture that warns parishioners what to make of earthly authorities and powers.

In Psalm 146, it is written: “O put not your trust in princes, nor in any mortal being, for none of them can save.”

"For the Christian, there can be only one source of confidence, and that is not in the changes and chances of this troubled life, but in God," Bishop Gregory added.

"For many of us, the proof of God’s trustworthiness is found in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ," Bishop Gregory added.

"I remember a notable historian once saying: There is no concrete proof of anything in history. Artefacts can be forged, documents are slanted, evidence may be tampered with or misinterpreted. The only sure way you can have of knowing that something happened is by its impact.

"Whatever else we can say about the Resurrection of Jesus, its enormous impact on history cannot be denied.

"Eleven dispirited disciples were turned around, a notable persecutor of the Church was converted, millions down through history claim to have met, and be transformed by, an executed Messiah who rose from the dead. Empires have fallen, human rights movements have been inspired, change has been wrought because this one man has been recognised as the human face of a God of love.

"My grandmother had a favourite hymn, which is a useful tonic, especially at this time: Change and decay in all around I see; O thou, who changest not, abide with me.

"Now, there’s a reason to wish you a Happy Easter."

The Bishop's Easter message was delivered prior to the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

The Bishop has since given his thoughts on the blaze. 

He said: "The Cathedral of Our Lady (Notre Dame) in Paris has been for centuries the focus of Christian life in France, and is much loved by visitors across the world. Many of us are therefore aghast by its near destruction by fire. 

"Nevertheless, our God is a God of Resurrection and hope, and we must believe that it is possible to rebuild and rededicate this building. Already it is clear that the guardians of Notre Dame will have the help of the French Government and the help of the world in that aspiration. 

"The fire perhaps challenges us all to ask whether we take for granted some of the ancient and significant places of prayer among which we live, almost without noticing, in Wales, and which bear witness to the same God of new life.”