Australia stops to mourn US victims

Religious groups have held services throughout the day as part of a national day of mourning for those killed or injured in the US terrorist attacks.

The Prime Minister attended a church service in Sydney.

Mr Howard and his wife Janette joined around 100 others at St James Anglican Church.

The congregation offered prayers for those killed and hurt in the attacks.

Mr Howard shook hands with a parishoners before making a quick departure.

Elsewhere in Sydney, a Friends of the Earth Vigil was held.

One of the mourners, American Corki Johns says Australia's support has been overwhelming.

"You hear the bad news, you hear the bad things that go on but you don't hear that the rest of the world really cares and really does support us in this," she said.

Similar vigils were held in Melbourne and Brisbane.

In Adelaide there is an evening mass at St Francis Xavier Catholic Cathedral.

The Bahai, Buddhist, Sikh and Muslim communities have also participated in special prayers.