Ten years ago our American CCN partners funded a project to capture the voices and reflections of all six Canons for Reconciliation that there had then been in the lifetime of the (new) Cathedral. The resulting series of filmed interviews has been viewed and used to inspire and teach very many times in the intervening years, and the films still hold so much relevance today.
Opening times
Today, Sun 16th March
Open
12:00pm–3:30pm
Coventry Cathedral is open as normal today
General visiting times for the New Cathedral & Ruins
Mon-Sat 10:00am–4:00pm
Sun 12:00pm–3:30pm
Sun 12:00pm–3:30pm
These opening times apply to the New Cathedral & Ruins. Other Cathedral locations' times differ.
What is Reconciliation?
Reflections on Reconciliation
Reverend Canon Dr. Sarah Hills
In this interview, Revd Canon Dr. Sarah Hills explores the multifaceted nature of reconciliation, its significance in both theology and community, and how Coventry’s history informs its ongoing role as a center of peace and healing.
Canon David Porter
Canon David Porter reflects on the complexities of reconciliation--how it is not about erasing differences but transforming conflict, how Coventry's legacy shaped his work in rebuilding relationships worldwide, and how storytelling plays a crucial role in healing the wounds of history.
The Most Reverend and Right Honorable Justin Welby
Drawing on his experiences at Coventry Cathedral, the Most Revd and Right Hon Justin Welby offers insights into how reconciliation can transform destructive conflict into constructive disagreement, sharing guiding principles and reflections from around the globe.
Reverend Canon Andrew White
In this conversation, Canon Andrew White reflects on how Coventry's legacy shaped his work in Baghdad and beyond, offering insights into the essence of reconciliation--how it transforms enemies into friends and finds its deepest expression in acts of love and forgiveness.
Reverend Canon Paul Oestreicher
Revd Canon Paul Oestreicher reflects on the profound and often uncomfortable reality of reconciliation--not as a simple ideal, but as the radical act of loving one's enemies. Drawing on Coventry's legacy, his work in Germany, South Africa, and beyond, he explores the personal, political, and theological challenges of forgiveness, justice, and peace in a fractured world.
Reverend Canon Kenyon Wright
In this reflection, Revd Canon Kenyon Wright--Coventry's first Canon for Reconciliation and founder of the formal Community of the Cross of Nails--discusses reconciliation as healing the wounds of history, restoring relationships, addressing global inequities, and shaping Coventry's lasting impact worldwide.
Other Films
To find out more about Coventry’s role in reconciliation, the origins of the Community of the Cross of Nails, and where it is today, watch this collection of reflections from each of Coventry's Canons for Reconciliation since the 1970s, recorded as part of an expanded series in 2015: Reconciliation: Reflections on Coventry’s Role (our thanks to the CCN North America Board for enabling this series of films, with stunning footage of Coventry Cathedral):
- The main 47-minute film, with excerpts from all interviews; or view each interview separately, listed in the resources gallery on this page.
- The 7-minute trailer
- View the 7-minute trailer subtitled in German and Latin American Spanish
- View the full 47-minute film subtitled in German and Latin American Spanish.
Useful information
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