As hymns filled St Andrew's Cathedral in Sydney, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull bowed his head in memory of those killed during the Orlando massacre.
Wife Lucy Turnbull stood solemnly beside him, along with representatives from the LGBTI and Muslim communities, at a commemorative service for the 49 killed and more than 50 injured at a gay nightclub over the weekend.
The Wednesday night gathering also included Premier Mike Baird, NSW Governor David Hurley and the US Consul-General Hugo Llorens.
Anglican Archbishop Dr Glenn Davies, who officiated over the one-hour service, described the massacre as a "senseless" loss for the LGBTI community and for all humanity.
"It is a cause for outrage as well as grief," he said in an address during the service.
"Outrage that someone should have access to an assault rifle so as to inflict such damage.
"Outrage that anyone would target law-abiding members of the community, just because they identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex."
Dr Davies also apologised for any past violence or hatred inflicted by the religious and Anglican community on the LGBTI community.
Outside, Mr Turnbull praised the church for its gathering.
"It was a very loving service. It was responding to an act of unimaginable hate with solidarity and love," he told reporters.
Mr Baird said the service made a point of uniting different communities.
He also praised the Anglican archbishop for his approach to the LGBTI community.
"To stand there and invite them and to mourn with them, I think was very powerful," he said.
