Fed: Unsettled times lead to soaring church numbers

AAP General News (Australia)
04-20-2003
Fed: Unsettled times lead to soaring church numbers

Christians around the country have flocked to Easter church services over the weekend,
turning to religion in the face of international conflict and uncertainty.

The nation's churches have reported healthy attendances at Easter services.

In Brisbane, Catholic Archbishop JOHN BATHERSBY attributes the largest Easter Sunday
turnout in more than 10 years at St Stephen's Cathedral to war in Iraq.

In Melbourne, Uniting Church Reverend KIM CAIN says a trend towards religious observance
and spirituality was sparked by the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001 and has been
sustained by recent conflict in Iraq.

About 1,250 people attended mass at Adelaide's St Francis Xavier's Cathedral, where
Catholic Archbishop PHILIP WILSON says the war in Iraq continues to make people aware
of the difficulties faced by many.

Sydney's Catholic Archbishop GEORGE PELL also spoke of the suffering brought by war,
during his Easter Sunday address at St Mary's Cathedral.

AAP RTV clm/dl

KEYWORD: EASTER (MELBOURNE)

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