Should Easter have a fixed date every year?

the GOVERNMENT has been asked to look again at the implications of restoring a 90-year-old Act of Parliament that would fix the date of Easter.
Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby. Photo by Anthony Devlin/PA WireArchbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby. Photo by Anthony Devlin/PA Wire
Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby. Photo by Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

Sir Greg Knight MP asked the Government to assess its 1928 Act, which while never enacted, stipulates that Easter should fall on the Sunday that follows the second Saturday in April, which would make the date between April 9 and April 15 every year.

The law has never been brought into force because it was deferred to the church to make the final decision.

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However following the Archbishop of Canterbury’s announcement that he is working with other Christian churches to agree a fixed date for Easter, East Yorkshire MP Sir Greg asked the Government what this meant for the original 1928 law.

Minister for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, Nick Boles, said for the Act to be introduced it would require an Order in Council, and the approval of both Houses of Parliament, but it might also be the case that fresh legislation would need to be drawn up.

He said: “The Act also requires that, before the Order is made, “regard shall be had to any opinion officially expressed by any Church or other Christian Body.

“If the Christian churches were to agree on moving to a fixed date for Easter then the Government would consider, depending on what date is agreed, whether to bring into force the Easter Act 1928 or to make such other legislative provision as may be needed.

“However, there is no indication yet whether or when a date will be agreed or what date that would be.”

The Most Rev Justin Welby said that he hopes to fix the date of Easter within five to ten years.

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