    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [April 21, 2000]
    [Pages 757-758]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Easter, 2000
    April 21, 2000

        Warm greetings to everyone celebrating Easter.
        In this holy season, Christians across America and around the world
    relive the events of Jesus' life, death, and Resurrection, rejoice in
    His fulfillment of the promise of salvation, and give prayerful thanks
    for the assurance of God's forgiving love.
        As Christians, we have been called to share that forgiveness with
    others. Across the globe, in places large and small, we have witnessed
    the tragic consequences of humanity's refusal to forgive. Ancient feuds,
    ethnic tensions, old hatreds and prejudices--these have torn apart
    families, communities, and nations for decades and continue to bring
    suffering to our world. On this, the first Easter of the new millennium
    and in the Jubilee Year of Christ's birth, the challenge to each of us
    is to reflect God's love and forgiveness in all our actions.
        Let us strive to see beyond the surface differences that may divide
    us from one another by discovering the values we share. Let us work

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    together to lift the yoke of poverty and oppression that crushes so many
    lives around the world. Let us recognize that, in Jesus' Resurrection,
    we see both the promise and the proof of love's capacity to triumph over
    the forces of misunderstanding, fear, and hatred.
        As millions of Americans gather with loved ones to share the joy of
    this blessed holiday, Hillary and I extend our best wishes to all for a
    wonderful Easter celebration.

                                                                Bill Clinton