For the first time, Archbishop Peter Jensen has recorded a special Anzac Day message for churches.

A special DVD is being sent out to parishes after feedback to the Connect for Life offices showed many were in need of material for services on Anzac Day, which this year falls on a Sunday. The DVD will include a message from Archbishop Jensen as well as an interview with Moore College historian Colin Bale who has made a study of Australian war graves all over the world.

The DVD was filmed in front of the Anzac and Changi flags in St Andrews Cathedral. The Anzac flag flew from the launch Anzac at the Gallipoli landings and the Changi flag was smuggled by an Australian prison of war into the notorious prison camp and kept hidden throughout the war, when it was unveiled on the gates as Changi was liberated by the Allies.

Photo: Archbishop Jensen speaks to historian Colin Bale at the taping of the special DVD.

Archbishop Jensen says “Anzac Day has always been close to my heart and I think of family members and friends who lost their lives in war. But what we owe to God is above even what we owe to them. I hope churches issue special invitations to their local communities to join them at Anzac Day services.”

Apart from the messages designed to be included in Anzac Day services, the DVD will contain a series of messages for use at Easter. Connect for Life Executive Director Andrew Nixon says “We had feedback from churches that they would use short video messages in guest services at Easter and Anzac Day. The Easter messages are based on Luke and will fit in with any giveaway of The Essential Jesus on Good Friday and Easter Day.”