8th August 2024
Since being bombed in November 1940, Coventry Cathedral has stood, worldwide, as a symbol of peace and reconciliation. From the end of the Second World War, the Cathedral has worked to foster relationships between enemies, to grow understanding, to heal the wounds of history and to discover common ground. This work continues today.
Long before Coventry Cathedral was bombed, the city of Coventry had a long, proud history of welcoming refugees and helping them to make a home here. This work also continues today.
We are, therefore, horrified at the violence which has broken out across towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland in recent days. We condemn this violence. We pray for all those injured and traumatised by violence, for all those who are afraid, and for all those charged with keeping law and order. We rejoice in the way in which communities have responded to the violence with acts of kindness and of friendship.
We reaffirm our commitment to the Cathedral and the City of Coventry being places of welcome, hospitality and sanctuary. We are a people who continue to learn to live with difference and celebrate diversity. We proudly name the richness that different communities bring to our life together.
We recognise that there are communities around the country who have not felt listened to; who feel left behind economically and socially. The work of reconciliation calls us to listen to everyone. And so we encourage and offer the creation of space for deep, rich conversations where people can be heard, and where understanding can grow between people who hold radically opposing views. We believe that reconciliation is borne of complex storytelling and courageous listening. We recommit ourselves to play our part in this.
