This Easter, we think of two crowns, a crown of thorns, and the virus. This Easter, we give thanks for a Saviour, and for the work of all those who labour to save others.

Eternity asked Christian leaders to give thanks. We’d like you to join in too, via our Facebook page.

“As we all stay home this Easter and play our part to stop the spread of COVID-19, we are deeply grateful to those frontline workers, who continue to leave their homes to care for the health of our country. We thank them for their compassion, their professional expertise and their commitment in living out their vocation to care for others. As they respond to the challenges of this global pandemic, may God bless and sustain them with strength, love and peace.”
Dr Deidre Palmer, President of the Uniting Church in Australia National Assembly

“Gratitude is always a most pleasing and heart-warming thing. When Jesus healed ten lepers, only one – a Samaritan – returned to give thanks to him (Luke 17:11-19). That is a sad comment on us as human beings. During this coronavirus threat, there are many who have worked at great cost to themselves, and at significant risk, to help others. To these all we can offer is our deep gratitude for their efforts, and our continued prayers for their well-being.”
Reverend Dr Peter Barnes, Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia

“Though we talk of isolation in this crisis, what we need are new forms of solidarity, because we’ll only get through these days if all play their part. But there are some who play a very special part, and foremost among these are our health workers – doctors, nurses and many others who put their life on the line to tend to sick. There are others too who stand on the front line, often hidden from sight. At this Easter time we recognise their sacrifice and pray that they will be kept safe and peaceful in their service.”
His Grace Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane and President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 

“To the front line workers who are supporting our community and caring for the sick, thankyou from Australian Anglicans. Know that we are praying the Lord’s blessing and protection for you at this challenging time”.
The Most Reverend Geoffrey Smith, Anglican Archbishop of Adelaide and Primate (national leader) of Australia’s Anglicans

“Our heartfelt thanks go out to the frontline health and emergency workers on duty over Easter. We are praying for you every day that you will have calmness, skill and safety. May Jesus, the hope of Easter, uphold you. May God bless you and keep you safe.”
The Most Reverend Dr Glenn Davies, Anglican Archbishop of Sydney

“There is much that is ennobling, amidst this COVID-19 crisis. Many are offering such generous, sacrificial leadership. Jesus’ example, washing the disciples feet (John 13), is evident at every level: as our PM works in bipartisan spirit with the National Cabinet and all leaders respond in like manner; locally, as neighbours look out for those most vulnerable; and, inspiringly, as our dedicated health carers respond with such skill in this  demanding and dangerous context. Ennobled, our prayers of gratitude will continue to be offered this Easter, as we celebrate the constant love of God, vivid in Jesus’ resurrection.”
Bishop Philip Huggins, President, National Council of Churches in Australia

“On behalf of Bobbie and I and Hillsong Church, we want to express heartfelt gratitude to all those on the frontlines of this pandemic. We are committed to praying for you and your families. God bless you this Easter and may He continue to strengthen and uphold you as you attend to and care for the needs of the people in our great nation.”
Brian Houston, Global Senior Pastor, Hillsong Church

“Along with the rest of Australia, the Baptist community would like to extend their sincere thanks to those who are working on the frontline of the fight against the coronavirus. The message of Easter is one of deep hope. As we express our heartfelt support of our frontline workers, we also want to assure them of our prayers and, in particular, we pray that Australia might experience the depth of the hope brought by the message of Easter.”
Reverend Stephen Ingram, National Chair Australian Baptist Ministries

“At this coronavirus Easter our understanding of how God works in the world is challenged. All the more reason to walk with Jesus who moves us from Good Friday to resurrection Sunday. Jesus wants our worldview to be changed by him. We’ll be challenged to experience Easter at church in a whole new way. We’ll be challenged to serve our neighbours in new and creative ways.
As we  experience common grace in our community as doctors, nurses, truck drivers, supermarket shelf stockers and many others serve us, may we grow in grace this Easter, becoming miracles of radical love.”
Grant Thomson, CEO Bible Society Australia

“In these difficult times, when humanity is being tested by the coronavirus pandemic, our thoughts are with the nurses, doctors, care workers and those in the supply chains who are working honourably and sacrificially on the front line of this crisis. On behalf of all Greek Orthodox Christians, I want to express our deep gratitude and heartfelt thanks. We pray that God grants to them all the good things of heaven and earth.”
Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Australia Makarios  

“I would like to send a special word of appreciation to all those who are working on the frontline in the midst of this time of great challenge for Australia and the world. Wesley Mission has always had a strong emphasis on word and deed. We can certainly see this at work during this time of crisis. So many of our people are working to help some of the most marginalised in our community and I’m so proud of them. So to all those not only in my own organisation, but across the whole spectrum of  Christian service, I send my deep appreciation and that of the wider Christian community. If ever there was a time of year when our Christian faith is relevant, it has to be at Easter. We are using every opportunity to name the name of Christ and I hope all of you who are providing service to others will recognise that this is a part of our very real witness. May God bless our world and bring us through this difficult time with an experience of the risen power of Christ.”
Reverend Keith Garner, CEO Wesley Mission