Australia's Christian leaders have focussed on the themes of reconciliation and faith in the face of adversity in their Easter messages this year. The Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, George Pell, has spoken about the problems being faced by Australians in his message.
Cardinal Pell says those who repent can take comfort in Godly forgiveness in a world where many struggles are taking place.
"The drought is not over throughout all New South Wales, although Sydney has done well, while the southern Australian states badly need rain," he said.
"Our economy continues to be strong, but interest rate rises are increasing mortgage pressures, the poor continue to be squeezed and the USA economy is in convulsions."
Meanwhile, the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Peter Jensen, says the Federal Government's recent apology to Indigenous Australians is in harmony with the Christian idea of seeking forgiveness.
In his Easter message, Dr Jensen says this time of year is a reminder that new beginnings are possible.
"We as a nation have been summoned to a new beginning in our relationships with the first people of our land," he said.
"We have been asked for reconciliation -a very powerful and very Christian idea. Apology on the one part, forgiveness on the other and a determination to make this 'new day' work."
Dr Jensen has also warned people against dabbling in the supernatural.
He says those who are grieving over the death of a family member or friend should not try and contact them.
"This is very dangerous - meddling in the occult is never a good idea," he said.
"Anyway, as the old saying goes, death is so permanent. It is irreversible. We will be joining them, but they'll not be joining us."
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