Archbishop Prowse said the fires had brought great destruction to many homes around the close knit coastal community and served as a reminder that only the spiritual was eternal.

"We are in a passing world as pilgrims on a journey to the Father's heavenly home," he said. "This Easter time can help us all re-focus on the things that will never end.

"In Christ, our pilgrim leader, we have true hope and a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul."

"As we pray for Tathra we place all our wounded fragilities in the risen wounds of our saviour, Jesus, the true compass of our distracted world."

Bishop Trevor Edwards, the acting Anglican Bishop and Vicar General of the diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, said he hoped an ecumenical service, to be held at the Tathra surf club on Easter Day (Sunday), would mark the commencement of a process of healing.

He said Anglicare was launching an appeal to raise funds to allow residents to access counsellors in the aftermath of the fires.

"St Martin's in Tathra has become a drop in centre and it is a base for material, prayer and counselling support."

Bishop Edwards's Easter message focussed on the crisis of leadership recently seen in politics and with the Australian cricket team.

"Plenty of opinion polls tell us that Australians are disillusioned with their leaders," he said.

"In this Easter week disillusionment has hit the sporting arena with disastrous choices by the Australian cricket captain."

Bishop Edwards said having people want to follow you was basic to being a leader.

"If they (people) only do what you want because of threats or punishment you may be an absolute ruler but you are not a leader," he said.

"People wanted to follow Jesus. Real Christians are those who know Jesus and imitate his love, service and self-giving."