The Way of the Cross via Pitt Street, Sydney

The Wesley Mission's annual Way of the Cross Procession took place on Good Friday, April 2, 2010, commencing at 2.00pm in the Martin Place Amphitheatre, in the heart of the City of Sydney. Following its dramatic opening, it made its way via Pitt Street, to Wesley Mission for an Easter Performance of "But for One Man."

A contemporary dance routine, by students of the Wesley Institute, opened proceedings and then followed a re-enactment of the Betrayal and the Carrying of the Cross through the city.

Characters presented the Praying in the Garden segment, followed by the Kiss of Betrayal and then the rough handling by the Roman guards. All were in period costume and the scripture portions were read during the programme.

Then followed the Way of the Cross Procession, with "Jesus" (played by Robert den Engelsman) carrying a cross. Along the way there was the jeering from the soldiers, the weeping of "Mary" and other women followers and a huge crowd of supporters and onlookers, led by the Superintendent of Wesley Mission, the Rev Dr Keith Garner and his wife, Carol.

There was the stumble along the way and the calling upon "Simon, a Cyrenian" to help carry the cross.

Wending their way through Pitt Street Mall the event attracted a large media presence and gave many tourists a photographic opportunity. This was one way in which the true message of Easter was shared with many, outside the Church.

At Wesley Mission, the performance of "But for One Man" used drama, dance, film and music to "link today with two thousand years ago, recognising that so many people of the world are spiritually lost and directionless."