Archbishop Glenn Davies has spoken on video about the difficult days ahead because of the Coronavirus but said Christians should respond in trust and humility.

"We have been frequently told that the spread of the coronavirus will get worse before it gets better. We have therefore taken the extraordinary step of suspending all church services in the Diocese for the time being. We have done this as a demonstration of our care for people." Archbishop Davies wrote to church leaders. "Our churches must be places of safety, and in the current climate, safety is not assured in public gatherings. One of the recent deaths in Sydney from COVID-19 was a member of one of our own congregations."

Dr Davies addressed the media on Wednesday, soon after announcing the suspension of church services. Asked about Easter church arrangements, Dr Davies told Channel 7 News "There is a great fear about the virus around the world and the fear, of course, is death. But the message of Easter is - death has been conquered."

Dr Davies later spoke on video as a new Diocesan webpage was launched to collate information and resources. 

The web address is sydneyanglicans.net/covid19.

On the page, there are special sections for prayer resources and frequently asked questions for parishioners and church workers.

In speaking via video, Dr Davies quoted Ps 91.

"What is the response of a Christian to such measures? Well, we are people who believe in God and trust his promises, and even in times of great distress.  As the psalmist says of those who shelter in the shadow of the Most High, they address the LORD in humility and faith:

‘My refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust.’         (Psalm 91:2)

Dr Davies encouraged the distribution of his video message and a video from health expert, Associate Professor Charlotte Hespe, a member of Barney's Broadway, who serves on the NSW COVID-19 group.

In the Video, Dr Hespe addresses questions about transmission of the virus, and proper health precautions for small groups.