Video Shows Jesus Wearing 'Crown of Syringes' to Show Plight of Addicted

A new video by the Church of England shows a drug addict with a crown of syringes on his head in an effort to depict the plight of the homeless and drug addicted and the church's role in giving them new life.

The actor wearing the 'crown of thorns' is actually a former drug addict who found salvation and deliverance. Another role in the video is played by a former white witch. All the major roles are played by people who have given their life to Christ at an atypical Halifax church called, "The Saturday Gathering."

The Telegraph online reports the short film is based on the text of Psalm 22, which speaks of despair and includes the line, "My God, my God why have you forsaken me?"

Click below to watch the film.

The Rev. Arun Arora, the church's director of communications, said: "This film is a testament to the triumph of faith and hope over struggle. From bereavement to addiction, from homelessness to imprisonment, Easter is a reminder that suffering doesn't have the last word and that love is more powerful than the grave...Each of the stories is a testimony to the fact that Love wins...As the Church across the globe celebrates Easter day we wanted to make a film that highlighted the stories of individuals who have come through suffering to the Easter joy of faith in Jesus."

Rob Jones plays the drug addict in the film. He says that he relates to the Resurrection story in the Bible because of his real life experience overcoming drug addiction.

"I haven't died, but I feel like I've been resurrected away from a life of crime and trouble to peace, love, understanding, calmness," Jones explained.