Obamas attend Easter service in D.C.

WASHINGTON, March 31 (UPI) -- The first family attended Easter services Sunday at St. John's Episcopal Church, a short walk from the White House in Washington.

President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, dressed in a light floral print dress and overcoat, and their daughters, Sasha and Malia were spotted walking through Lafayette Park across from the White House to the church a short distance away.

Seated in the traditional pew reserved for the president when he attends the church, Obama heard a sermon urging peace, rebirth and forgiveness by the Rev. Dr. Luis Leon.

"There is no injustice so insidious that there can be no truth ... no war so deep that there can be no peace ... no enemy so bitter that they can't become a friend," Leon said.

The sermon wasn't without a political message, pool reports indicate.

"It drives me crazy when the captains of the religious right are always calling us back ... for blacks to be back in the back of the bus ... for women to be back in the kitchen ... for immigrants to be back on their side of the border," Leon said.

After the service the first family walked back to the White House about 12:50 p.m. EDT through a mild rain.