Pilgrimages and Gatherings

We encourage all partners and those interested in joining the Community of the Cross of Nails to come to Coventry at least once, if they can, and share in the very special and powerful message that simply coming here and being immersed in its story conveys. Twice a year, in spring and autumn, we hold a pilgrimage specifically for this purpose. It’s an occasion for partners, current and aspiring, to come together at Coventry Cathedral for prayer and contemplation, to meet others in the network, to share their stories and experiences, and to learn from and be involved in the work of the Cathedral’s global reconciliation ministry.

Dates for our next pilgrimage are 11th-14th November 2025 (Tuesday-Friday, up until the 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz on Friday 14th (please note date change from that originally published, in this instance). In 2026, the likely dates are 26th-29th May and 20th-23rd October.

Pilgrimages usually begin with an evening meal together on the first day followed by candle-lit compline, and close with lunch on the final day. See a typical programme here.

All partners and those wishing to join are very warmly welcomed. The cost to attend is £225 (inc VAT) per person, which covers all lunches, evening dinners and other daytime refreshments for the three days' duration, and all activities on the pilgrimage, but excludes accommodation, breakfast, or travel to and from Coventry. Register your interest for future pilgrimages by contacting alice.farnhill@coventry.anglican.org

• View the discussion sessions from our May 2023 Gathering "Making all things new": Reconciliation and the next 60 years on the CCN livestream.
  
• Resources shared: Canada's road to reconciliation presentation; Canada Reconciliation Resources; CCN update presentation for Gathering May 2023 and the films below:

Where can the Community of the Cross of Nails and the environmental movement find common ground for action? Paul Bodenham of Green Christian, and Andii Bowsher, pacifist and chaplain, in conversation.

Reconciliation in a time of conflict part II: A conversation between Dean John Witcombe and the Revd Canon Paul Oestreicher

The Voice we need to hear: reflection by Revd David Coleman, Environmental Chaplain, EcoCongregation Scotland

Watch here the recorded conversation between Dean John and the Revd Canon Dr Paul Oestreicher on Healing the wounds of history: striving for peace in a time of war and here the reflections from Mpho Tutu van Furth and Wilma Jakobsen on Reconciliation, justice and the legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu , both at the May 2022 online gathering. Read Wilma's transcript here; read informal notes from Mpho's reflection here, and read about all three speakers here.