NSW: Easter church services popular in tough times

AAP General News (Australia)
04-12-2009
NSW: Easter church services popular in tough times

SYDNEY, April 12 AAP - Churchgoers have flocked to Easter Sunday services, with the
tough economic times being cited for a boost in numbers.

A morning service at St Andrew's Cathedral in Sydney was full as Anglican Archbishop
Peter Jensen delivered his Easter sermon.

"He (Jesus) is the champion of all who are going to die," Dr Jensen said.

"Trusting him is the key to facing both life and death with hope."

A spokesman for the Sydney Diocese of the Anglican Church, Russell Powell, said more
people had walked through the church's doors than previous years.

The economic downturn may be responsible, he said.

"At all of our churches we've had more people this year," he said.

"We think the recession is partly responsible."

Meanwhile, Catholics crowded into St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney to hear Cardinal George
Pell give his Eastern sermon.

The resurrection was the "high point of all religious history", Cardinal Pell told
the congregation.

"There was no precedent for Christ's resurrection and no subsequent repeat performance," he said.

AAP ab/apm

KEYWORD: EASTER (PIX AVAILABLE)

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