“As Easter approaches the Christian world celebrates the life of Jesus who understood the human need for hope.”

The Rev. Tara Curlewis, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Australia, said that the unexpected first century events that are recalled at Easter could serve as a reminder of how surprising events can be a source of hope and transformation.

“Today we also encounter the unexpected yet as people of faith we know how often that leads to situations being transformed,” she said. “Easter reminds us that when all hope appears lost the unexpected happens.”

Anglican Primate the Most Rev. Dr Phillip Aspinall said the Easter message is as relevant today as it was in Jesus’ time.

“The reality of a man in his prime who gave up his life for others finds brutal echoes in funerals I’ve led for Australian diggers — themselves honourable, brave men, also in their prime — who gave up their lives for others.”

Pastor Ken Vogel from the Seventh-day Adventist Church said the Easter story of Jesus’ death and resurrection was the good news story Australians needed.

“Even in such a great a country as we have in Australia, normal life is infused with fear, sadness, loneliness and pain. And all that has at its core, sin. Every Australian, whether young or old, needs hope, peace and meaning. And the foundation to long lasting hope, peace and meaning is the story of Easter.”

Please visit http://www.ncca.org.au/ to read Australian church leaders’ Easter messages in full.

Tara Curlewis is available for further comment 02 92992215