You are here: Home / Reconciliation / ICONS / ICONS History

ICONS History

ICONS - Our History

How it all began

On the morning after Coventry and its cathedral were bombed in November 1940, Provost Howard’s words of ‘Father Forgive’ began a ministry for which Coventry Cathedral is known globally. These words, coupled with his use of a Cross of Nails (fashioned from the medieval nails of the old cathedral’s ruined roof) as a symbol of peace and reconciliation, provided a powerful message to others inspired by the healing and hope of the cathedral’s story. From these beginnings of pursuing ‘a kinder, more Christ child-like sort of world, the Community of the Cross of Nails (CCN) was formed, and since 2009 Coventry Cathedral has operated the ICON Schools network, a programme that aims to bring this ministry of peace and reconciliation into schools so that a new generation of peace-makers and reconcilers can make their impact on their communities.

ICONS Today

Today we have a network of:

  • over 18 international
  • over 18 Secondary
  • over 30 Primary
  • 11 All-through schools

We have ICONS in Germany, Northern Ireland, Austria, Netherlands, South Africa, Israel/Palestine, USA and Hong Kong, as well as our many partner schools in the UK. In joining the ICONS network, schools also become partners with the Community of the Cross of Nails and are welcomed into an even wider family of peace organisations, places of worship, and training and retreat centres all working towards peace and reconciliation in their respective communities.

Interested in becoming an ICON School or just want more information? Please send us your enquiry and the ICONS team will be happy to help.

Your Name

Please enter your full name.

Please enter your email so we can get in touch.

Please enter your comments.

Follow us on social media
Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about upcoming events

© Coventry Cathedral 2025 Coventry Cathedral is the working name of The Cathedral Church of St Michael Coventry (Registered charity no. 1204257)
Website created by Suru Partners