Coventry's "Cross of Nails" comes to Anglican Communion Chapel London
Posted On : February 29, 2008 12:57 PM | Posted By : Admin ACO Related Categories: ACO
ACNS: 4374
By the editor
On Friday, 29 February, in the presence of members of the Primates and Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) Joint Standing Committee, Saint Andrew's Chapel at the Anglican Communion Secretariat, Westbourne Park, London, will be designated a "Cross of Nails Centre" by the Dean of Coventry.
The International Community of the Cross of Nails has a unique history. Their website states that "on the 14th November 1940, much of the City of Coventry was reduced to rubble by German bombs. The Cathedral, at the heart of the city, burned with it. In the terrible aftermath that followed, Provost Howard wrote the words 'Father forgive' on the smoke-blackened wall of the sanctuary. Two of the charred beams which had fallen in the shape of a cross were set on the altar and three of the medieval nails were bound into the shape of a cross."
A Eucharist, with the ACC Chairman, the Rt Revd John Paterson, Bishop of Auckland, presiding, is set for the historic chapel at 5.45 p.m. tonight, with members of the Community of St Andrew, the original occupiers of St Andrews House, originally a deaconess community, being present. The Rt Revd John Stroyan, Bishop of Warwick, will preach and the former Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Revd Colin Bennetts, will be present.
The Dean of Coventry, the Very Revd John Irvine, will present the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, the Revd Canon Kenneth Kearon, with a replica model of the cross for use in the chapel. Each Friday, the set Litany of Reconciliation will be said by the staff and visitors to this international office.
This dramatic representation of a charred cross of nails has become a global symbol of reconciliation. Their website states that "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."
The centres now number over 160 around the world, "all emanating from this early, courageous vision, and all working for peace and reconciliation within their own communities and countries."
Canon Kearon said, "It is a great privilege to be part of growing number of people committed to praying for reconciliation in our war-torn and troubled world. Many of our own Anglican faithful throughout the world face incredible obstacles in their daily lives. I believe this cross of nails in our chapel will help inspire us all in our desire to do more for peace-making and reconciliation on every level."
There are no boundaries to the focus of the Cross of Nails centres, as stated on the web. Issues include "politics, race, religion, economics, sexual orientation or personal". The work 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.
Ends
Our thanks to Canon Mervyn Roberts, and the Diocese and Cathedral of Coventry
Immediate Access Editor's notes:
Cross of Nails - 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.
Litany of Reconciliation
All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God
The hatred which divides nation from nation, race from race, class from class
Father forgive
The covetous desires of people and nations to possess what is not their own
Father forgive
The greed which exploits the work of human hands and lays waste the earth
Father forgive
Our envy of the welfare and happiness of others
Father forgive
Our indifference to the plight of the imprisoned, the homeless, the refuge
Father forgive
The lust which dishonours the bodies of men, women and children
Father forgive
The pride that leads us to trust in ourselves and not in God
Father forgive
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you
Ends
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