As Easter approaches, Christians around the world seek meaningful ways to engage with the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Among the most powerful and immersive traditions are Passion Plays – live re-enactments of the days leading up to the crucifixion of Christ, often staged in public squares, cathedrals and historic town centres. These performances offer a unique opportunity to experience the Gospel narrative in a communal and tangible way.
While there is nothing quite like witnessing a Passion Play live in the town square, it is remarkable how powerful these stories remain even when viewed through a video clip. This highlights the vital role Christian media plays in our world today—bringing the Gospel to those near and far, using every available platform to share the timeless message of Christ’s love and sacrifice.
A tradition rooted in community
In the UK, Passion Plays have become a cherished part of Holy Week observances, particularly in cities with rich ecclesiastical histories. One such place is Bury St Edmunds, where the town centre transforms into a stage for a sacred drama. Here, members from various local churches come together to portray the events leading up to and including the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
The Rev Jonathan Ford, who has served for many years as a minister at Christ Church on Moreton Hall, and who is a trustee of the Christian Broadcasting Council (CBC), has been instrumental in producing these plays in Bury St Edmunds. He emphasises the significance of such performances: “Passion plays are part of the history of the town,” said Rev Ford. “They brings people’s daily worship to life and for those who don’t have faith, I hope it gets them thinking.”
Passion Plays – bringing faith to the public square
Passion Plays serve not only as a form of worship but also as a public witness to the central truths of Christianity. By staging the narrative in open, communal spaces, these performances invite onlookers, believers and seekers alike to reflect on the profound message of Easter. Rev Ford underscores this point: “The church has felt that, in one sense, the church has lost Christmas—and we must not lose Easter, which is even more important. It’s celebrating what Christ has done on the Cross, it’s showing that faith means so much to us, and also doing it in the centre of the town, as the town was originally set aside as a place of worship, is all part of bringing that together.”
Witness the passion: a visual experience
To gain a deeper appreciation for the impact of these performances, watch this excerpt from one of the Bury St Edmunds Passion Plays. Though it dates back several years, the message is timeless:
This powerful clip from the Passion Play at Bury St Edmunds, produced by Rev Jonathan Ford, demonstrates the importance of Christian witness in the public square in tandem with the timeless truths of the Gospel. Jesus came to die so that we may live. Consider attending a Passion Play this Easter. These performances not only enrich our understanding of the Easter story but also serve as a testament to the enduring power of faith expressed through community, creativity and media.
Also read; Join us in Praying For Christian Broadcasting with Jonathan Ford
