http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Christians-told-to-launch-love-offensive/2007/04/08/1175970926364.html

West Australians have been urged to look at the real political drama behind the Easter story and launch an offensive for love.

Perth's Anglican Archbishop, The Most Reverend Roger Herft, said in an Easter message that people were tempted to "sugarcoat" the horror of the crucifixion and the Resurrection with hot cross buns, chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs.

"Such escapism glosses over the real drama that surrounds Jesus," Dr Herft said.

"In reality the story contains adult themes, coarse language, nudity, extreme violence, horror scenes and supernatural effects."

"Hostile religious leaders plot with political power blocs; the fickle mood of the crowd changes to a vicious call for blood, to crucify, kill, destroy. The rest, as they say, is history, or is it?"

Dr Herft said people had found ways to ease the memory of Jesus' crucifixion because it offended their intellectual sensibilities and interfered with our desire to place God outside the messiness of our lives.


Aussies pack churches for Easter

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Aussies-pack-churches-for-Easter/2007/04/08/1175970932123.html

Thousands flock to Gospel Music Festival

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Thousands-flock-to-Gospel-Music-Festival/2007/04/08/1175970926361.html

Pope leads Easter Vigil at St Peter's

http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Pope-leads-Easter-Vigil-at-St-Peters/2007/04/08/1175970915362.html