The Sydney Anglican Archbishop has used his Easter message to indirectly criticise campaigners for euthanasia.

In his annual address, Reverend Peter Jensen criticised the campaigner's phrase 'death with dignity' by saying death in any circumstance can never be dignified.

He says for Christians, the real hope is beyond death in the victory of Jesus Christ.

"I can take the idea of a heroic death, a quiet death, an early death, even a peaceful death," he said.

"But death with dignity? It just seems like a cover-up."

Dr Jensen says Jesus' crucifixion is an example of the most undignified death.

"I can't think of one worse than crucifixion," he said.

"It was capital punishment designed to humiliate and intimidate."

Meanwhile, Catholic Cardinal George Pell says Easter forces people to confront the reality of suffering.

He says there noted the succession of natural disasters both close to home and overseas including floods, earthquakes and drought.

Cardinal Pell says people's humanity is defined by how they react to these situations and praised the heroism of Australians and people overseas.

"The dignity and good order of the Japanese survivors struggling on in discomfort and piercing cold were remarkable," he said.

"Their strength and stoicism were commended around the globe.

"In a different way the heroism of individual Australians during the floods as they helped one and another were equally wonderful."