COMMUNITY OF THE CROSS OF NAILS (CCN)

Cross of Nails Centres
The Cross of Nails is a very powerful and inspirational Symbol worldwide of reconciliation and peace.  After the Second World War, Crosses of Nails were presented to Kiel, Dresden and Berlin, cities shattered by Allied bombing: Out of the ashes grew a trust and partnership between Coventry and the German cities.

There are now 160 of Cross of Nails Centres around the world, all emanating from this early, courageous vision, and all working for peace and reconciliation within their own communities and countries.  This has no boundaries: it may focus on issues of politics, race, religion, economics, sexual orientation or personal: it can have broad and far-reaching, national consequences, or it can make just a small - nonetheless significant - difference to people’s lives.  Centres can be churches, reconciliation centres, prisons, NGOs and schools, any body of people who have a heart and a need to pursue reconciliation in their own lives and the lives of others.  The Centres in Germany and the USA are administered by national Boards; others range over all continents - from Africa to Australia, Europe to Asia: truly a global network, with Centres being encourage to support each other - practically and prayerfully.

Associate Centres of Reconciliation
We also have partner organisation from other faith or working for interfaith relations around the world and to them we present a miniature of the sculpture ‘Reconciliation’, which is found in the Cathedral ruins, in recognition of their work towards ‘healing wounds’.

A Unique Ministry

  • In South Africa, the CCN Centres have been focal points for sharing some of the painful memories and wounds of apartheid: they have been inspired entrepreneurial, health and land reclamation initiatives, and help to cross the boundaries of the social/religious/cultural divide.
  • In Nigeria and Burundi, The CCN and Associate Centres play a vital part in the exist strategy from areas of intense interfaith tension and conflict.
    In the Middle East, our Centres in Israel and Palestine are working towards a greater mutual understanding between Jews and Arabs.
  • In the USA, where there are 43 Centres, there are many active projects focusing on reconciliation within the community, teaching the ethics of mediation and coalition building.  Some of the parishes are partnered with ones in South Africa, Sierra Leone and Cuba, offering practical and financial support.
  • In Europe, Germany has the most active Centres (40) many of whom are particularly committed to projects in Central and Eastern Europe (in Slovakia, Bosnia, Belarus and Romania).  The UK is revitalising its own collective ministry nationally and internationally, in churches, NGOs, prisons and schools.  Our four centres in Northern Ireland - the Corrymeela and Cornerstone Communities, Lagan College and the Cross Fire Trust - are of world renown in their work with the Protestant and Catholic peoples, providing leadership, inspiration and a safe haven where trust and understanding can be fostered.



    HIGHLIGHTS OF 2004

    CONFERENCES

    Thursday 11 March 2004
    Keynote theme: Sharing the news from our UK Centres and planning our vision for the future.

    Tuesday 13 - Sunday 18 July 2004
    Keynote theme: The Catastrophe of Conflict. Religion - Cause or Cure?

    Second International Conference



    Community of the Cross of Nails
    www.crossofnails.org



    © Coventry Cathedral, 2004.  All rights reserved.