Reconciliation

Part of my module last week at Redcliffe was focused on reconciliation as mission. So we had a bit of a field trip to Coventry Cathedral. It´s a spectacular place with a really interesting history and legacy.

The original Cathedral was bombed in the war. The bishop at the time, when he visited the site day after the bombing, decided to add a new inscription behind the altar saying 'Father Forgive'. Although many suggested to him that it should be more specific - asking God to forgive the Germans who were responsible, he was adamant that it should be simple 'Father Forgive'. He explained that we are all responsible for conflict, and should all seek God´s forgiveness for our part in it.

A time later they needed to work out what to do with the bombed out site. Some suggested razing it to the ground, others rebuilding on the same site, but it was decided to preserve the ruins as they were - as a reminder of the past, but to build a new Cathedral to it´s side. Coventry Cathedral has become a centre for reconciliation, linking with other sites around the world seeking to be the peacemakers in situations of conflict.

 The sculptures around the site remind us of the realities of war. Above is a (bad) picture of a memorial dedicated to the Unknown Civilians who have lost their lives in war. Apparently, although there are many memorials around the world to the Unknown Soldier, this is the only one recognising the civilians who are caught up in conflicts.

 The new Cathedral has some spectacular windows. The one above, is at the entrance hall, and has a glass engraving of angels and saints.

The side window panels, which are only visible as you reach the front of the Cathedral and look backwards, depict the various stages of life. As you walk past them going forward, you only see the stark concrete of the building - but as you look back, they appear, just as we often only make sense of the stages of our lives with hindsight!!

 Archangel Michael defeating Satan.

 This side window is really spectacular, and depicts the sense of God´s light breaking into, and expelling the darkness. It´s much better in real life, so I encourage you to go and have a look!

Studies

For the last couple of weeks, I´ve been based in Redcliffe College in Gloucester. I´m completing the taught component of 2 modules for the MA in Contemporary Missiology (the study of mission). So here are a few of the topics from last week,
globalization (political, economic, religious etc)
postcolonialism,
gender in mission,
interfaith dialogue.

Redcliffe has a new centre and offices, just next door to the Cathedral, so there´s a great view out of the window, if we ever need further inspiration, and they have even lent us some study space in the Cathedral Gallery.

This week, has been a sort of reading week, when I have had chance to find resources in the library for the essays. But I´ve also taken advantage of being here.... the module for the MA in Member Care has been going on, so I´ve sat in on a few of their classes as well.

This week coming, it´ll be advocacy and reconciliation studies - including a trip to Coventry, to hear about the centre for reconciliation there, and the work they do.