Key Facts:
'He is Risen'
Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen. (Luke 24:5)
"We find the Risen Christ, not in the tomb, but in the revelation of his presence wherever we are and in whatever circumstances we face....This is the witness of Easter and for this we give thanks." Rev John Gilmore, President, National Council of Churches in Australia.
We share messages from thirteeen (13) Australian Church Leaders, including: Primate, Anglican Church of Australia Archbishop, Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand & the Phillipines President, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference - Catholic Church in Australia Bishop, Chinese Methodist Church in Australia Moderator, Congregational Federation of Australia and New Zealand Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Church, Diocese of Sydney & Affiliated Regions Primate, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Acting Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand Presiding Clerk, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Australia Territorial Commander, The Salvation Army, Australia President, Uniting Church in Australia Assembly National Ministries Director, Australian Baptist Ministries National President, Australian Christian Churches (ACC)
Friday, 27 March 2026
from the National Council of Churches in Australia
Easter 2026 Messages
from Australia's National Church Leaders
Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen. (Luke 24:5)
Events in recent months have changed us and our sense of the world. It is increasingly hard to see an end to war, violence and suffering. Recent conflicts in so many places destroy communities and shatter hope. Aboriginal deaths in custody continue to occur. The horrific scene of the massacre of Jewish people celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025 is also etched into our minds. We know of the continuing levels of violence against women and the impact of racism and discrimination seems to be without end. People, made in God's image, suffer. In all of this can we find hope and life?
There is a perspective we proclaim each Easter that defines Christian faith. It is the affirmation 'He is Risen'. On the first Easter morning, the women at the tomb are confronted with a question that changes them; 'Why do you look for the living among the dead?'. What follows is not their answer to the question, but rather a short powerful statement, 'He is not here but has risen' (Luke 24:5).
The women leave the tomb and return to the disciples with the news of the Resurrection. They tell of their experience. The listeners are not convinced and Peter, not believing, runs to the tomb, he finds it empty and returns home amazed (Luke 24:12).
We live among and in the forces of death which rob people of dignity, identity and hope. The Easter witness is that Death does not have the last word. We look for and trust that risen Christ, brings life even in the most difficult circumstances. Our witness to the Risen Christ may not be understood and accepted. It is our faith in the Risen one that changes us and our view of the world.
We find the Risen Christ, not in the tomb, but in the revelation of his presence wherever we are and in whatever circumstances we face. We are invited to look for the signs of the presence of the Risen one in the very situation of our own lives. This is the witness of Easter and for this we give thanks.
Rev John Gilmore, President
National Council of Churches in Australia
(Note: This year, the Western Churches celebrate Easter on Sunday 5 April 2026 and the Orthodox and Oriental Churches will celebrate Pascha on Sunday 12 April 2026.)
Thirteen (13) messages follow.
