The Archbishop of Canterbury meets members of the Community of the Cross of Nails

Coventry Cathedral is one of the world's oldest religious-based centres for reconciliation.  Following the destruction of the Cathedral in 1940, Provost Dick Howard made a commitment not to revenge, but to forgiveness and reconciliation with those responsible.

It was this moral and prophetic vision which led to Coventry Cathedral's development as a world Centre for Reconciliation.  Over the years this has provided inspiration and support to many Christians addressing ongoing conflict in contemporary society.

At St Michael’s House, soon to be the home of the Peace and Reconiliation Ministry, Canon David Porter (Canon for Peace and Reconciliation) introduced Archbishop Rowan to the Cathedral’s partners in the Community of the Cross of Nails.  Some of these partners had travelled from overseas.

The mixture of ages of those involved in the Community was apparent as the Archbishop was introduced to 16 year old Ben Hoyle from Harris School in Rugby.  One hour earlier Ben had been sitting his Spanish reading GCSE; “It’s a real honour to be an iconic event like this and to meet the Archbishop”, he said.

The Archbishop also met with Sister Edith Haufe, who is a Companion of the Community of the Cross of Nails.  As a young woman she was instrumental in building the Coventry Wing of Dresden Hospital.

Canon David Porter presented an update on the work of the Community outlining the two projects for the Cathedral’s Jubilee year.

The first project he spoke about was to recast the Ruins as a place for remembering civilians injured, traumatised or killed in conflict and violence.  This project included the unveiling of the new statue – the Choir of Survivors – by the Bishop of Saxony on the 20th May.

The second project is to refurbish Saint Michael’s House as a space where people can come to develop their understanding of, and personal skills for, the work of reconciliation in the church and wider society.

The German Ambassador then presented the Very Reverend John Irvine, Dean of Coventry with a donation of 50,000 Euros from the German Government to support the refurbishment project.