our gift of hope

Coventry CathedralCoventry CathedralCoventry CathedralCoventry CathedralCoventry CathedralCoventry Cathedral

i aM Continually StruCK By the deep iMpreSSion thiS plaCe leaveS on people

WelCoMeI am a very fortunate Dean. There are few places where God has given so clear an indication of what needs to be done. Here at Coventry Cathedral, we are called to respond in our many roles; whether as the home of a worshipping community, the heart of a multi-cultural industrial city, the mother church of the Diocese, a place of witness to God’s love for the world or as custodians of a fabulous modern building and dramatic ruined Cathedral. Reconciliation is a precious and fragile thread woven through everything we do. It is a gift we need to treasure.

As I meet worshippers and visitors, of all ages and from many places around the world, I am continually struck by the deep impression this place leaves on people. Many of them came as schoolchildren and frequently recall the visit as if it were yesterday. There is no doubt in their minds that their first visit was both moving and memorable. Fifty years on from its consecration, Coventry Cathedral retains its ability to move and amaze.

In this brochure, we want to inspire you with the very real work going on here that seeks to share God’s gift of reconciliation. You will read about some of the exciting things we are doing to make Coventry a world centre for reconciliation.

Most of all we want to tell you why we and others who love this reconciling God and value this place are determined to protect the precious gift of reconciliation that we have been given, secure the buildings that make it meaningful, and to nurture it for the benefit of future generations. This brochure is an invitation to anyone who feels gratitude for Coventry’s gift to the world, to join us in this endeavour.

John Irvine Dean of Coventry

In Celtic spirituality certain locations were called ‘thin places’. These early Christians recognised ‘thinness’ in their memorials – places where closeness to the divine felt effortless and which even today still say ‘something special happened here’. A thin place is where one senses the mysterious power of God.

Coventry Cathedral is seen by many as one of those special places.

This is a living place that has witnessed the passing of the centuries. It has been a place of welcome and worship for over 1000 years. Caught up in the violence of war, today it speaks to us about the raw and naked truth of reconciliation. It provides opportunities and experiences for sharing that truth and for helping us to grow. It calls us to respond.

Coventry Cathedral’s story of reconciliation is God’s gift to each of us.

there SeeM to Be SoMe plaCeS Where the veil BetWeen heaven and earth iS lifted and one iS aBle to CatCh a gliMpSe of the glory of god

i aM Continually StruCK By the deep iMpreSSion thiS plaCe leaveS on people

there SeeM to Be SoMe plaCeS Where the veil BetWeen heaven and earth iS lifted and one iS aBle to CatCh a gliMpSe of the glory of god

Coventry’S gift

November 14th 1940, early in the Second World War, was a defining moment for Coventry, for its Cathedral and our country - it was the day when havoc and destruction rained down on this wonderful medieval city and left it a smouldering ruin.

The morning after, Provost Howard stood in the chaos and destruction of the beautiful 14th century cathedral and spoke the words ‘Father Forgive’, which today are inscribed above the remains of the altar. Forgiving one’s enemies was not a popular stance to take in 1940. But Provost Howard knew that we would not always be at war. We would someday have to be reconciled to our enemy.

‘Father Forgive’ is a simple message that speaks of God’s desire to be reconciled with humanity, in spite of our faults and the hurt we have caused. This message is easy to understand although not so easy to put into action. Here at Coventry you can see a physical symbol of reconciliation as God intended: human brokenness transformed by forgiveness and resurrection. A place which has become an icon of hope through which we are invited to new life as children of God, peacemakers in a divided world.

Never has the world needed this wisdom of faith more than it does today. In a very real sense, our duty as custodians of Coventry’s gift of reconciliation is to share it with everyone – with all the churches in our diocese, with the people of Coventry and with the world.

We are invited to neW life aS Children of god, peaCeMaKerS in a divided World

‘the holy Spirit, WhoM the father Will Send in My naMe, Will teaCh you everything, and reMind you

of all that i have Said to you. peaCe i leave With you; My peaCe i give to you’

The juxtaposition of the new and the old Cathedrals is a uniquely powerful reminder of Provost Howard’s vision. In the post-war era it became hugely symbolic of the nation’s desire for encouragement and inspiration following years of death and

destruction. Today, Coventry Cathedral is a place of welcome and hospitality which responds to its unique calling through worship, spirituality, education and the creative arts. We want to secure the future of the Cathedral as the living heart of a

community, local, national and international. We aim to improve our hospitality, providing better facilities for all our visitors.

We are invited to neW life aS Children of god, peaCeMaKerS in a divided World

‘the holy Spirit, WhoM the father Will Send in My naMe, Will teaCh you everything, and reMind you

of all that i have Said to you. peaCe i leave With you; My peaCe i give to you’

“A place that speaks of our brokenness and the possibilities of hope”

The ruined shell of the fine medieval Cathedral of St Michael has become a spiritual home for many. This special place reminds us of our human capacity both to destroy and to reach out to our enemies in friendship and reconciliation. The ruins speak so powerfully of this message that they have become a place of pilgrimage for people of all cultures and faiths. As well as providing a tranquil space for reflection, they are the City’s most important landmark and symbolic of its own destruction and resurrection.

We are seeking to give focus and further purpose to the ruins in the 21st century by designating them as a memorial to civilians killed, injured or traumatised by war and violent conflict.

Civilians are the unspoken targets and forgotten casualties of war. In the last century, tens of millions of civilians were caught in the turmoil of armed conflict. In a world that still fails to find peaceful alternatives to resolving its disputes, we want to create a living testament to the tragic consequences of this lack of moral imagination.

We believe that Coventry’s Cathedral Ruins can become a witness to their suffering. Our plan is to do this in imaginative and beautiful ways that will evoke powerful memories and teach us valuable lessons. We want this to be a place of pilgrimage for people of all faiths and nationalities to remember their own loss or destroyed communities. We will reveal our medieval crypts to provide spaces for recording memories and give people the voice to speak for civilians caught up in the prevailing culture of war and violent conflict.

This will be the legacy we hand on to future generations.

‘thiS iS My CoMMandMent, that you love one another aS i have loved you. no one haS greater love than thiS, to lay doWn one’S life for one’S friendS’

thiS iS a thin plaCe. thiS iS holy ground. truth aBideS in thin plaCeS; naKed, raW, hard to faCe truth. the very ground itSelf SeeMS to Call out, “CoMe here and Be tranSforMed”

The courageous response of Provost Howard and the vision of Basil Spence, architect of the new Cathedral, face us today with the constant challenge of maintaining the crumbling ruins of the former glorious Cathedral, whose soft sandstone walls, fine tracery and carvings are cruelly exposed to the weather. Through giving renewed meaning and purpose to the ruins, we aim to secure their future for many years to come.

‘thiS iS My CoMMandMent, that you love one another aS i have loved you. no one haS greater love than thiS, to lay doWn one’S life for one’S friendS’

thiS iS a thin plaCe. thiS iS holy ground. truth aBideS in thin plaCeS; naKed, raW, hard to faCe truth. the very ground itSelf SeeMS to Call out, “CoMe here and Be tranSforMed”

Over the next few years, as we raise funds, we will transform this fine Georgian building (the Cathedral’s former Deanery) to create a safe space where men and women from across the world can explore what reconciliation means to them and become part of a global community committed to peace through reconciliation.

liKe thin plaCeS, reConCiliation CaptivateS our iMagination, yet diMiniSheS our exiStenCe. We BeCoMe very SMall, yet We gain ConneCtion and BeCoMe part of SoMething larger than We Can perCeive. the huMan Spirit iS aWaKened and Will groW if the Body and Mind alloW it

‘i have CoMe that they May have life, and have it to the full’

“A space to revive the spirit and mind,which challenges us to walk a new path”

We can talk about reconciliation, but how do you actually do it? There is no single answer to this. Conflict and alienation take many forms, whether in the home, in the work place or in the wider communities we are part of in our lives. So reconciliation, what it means and how it is realised, will be very different in each case.

There are many people and communities in the UK and around the world who are working tirelessly to bring about reconciliation between people divided by conflict, including members of the Community of the Cross of Nails (CCN) who look to us for leadership. The CCN is an international community of churches and Christian organisations, inspired by the Coventry story and committed to cultivating reconciliation. They each hold a Cross of Nails, presented to them to acknowledge this commitment.

There are many who want to join them and others too who have the opportunity to make a real difference as leaders in the worlds of international relations, politics, the military, social and economic development, community relations and faith.

St Michael’s House is a dedicated space offering hospitality and an environment for learning and debate which we are developing to provide opportunities for people to renew their commitment and grow their understanding of reconciliation and the challenges it presents in today’s world.

‘i have CoMe that they May have life, and have it to the full’

liKe thin plaCeS, reConCiliation CaptivateS our iMagination, yet diMiniSheS our exiStenCe. We BeCoMe very SMall, yet We gain ConneCtion and BeCoMe part of SoMething larger than We Can perCeive. the huMan Spirit iS aWaKened and Will groW if the Body and Mind alloW it

We are working to ensure the survival of our great choral tradition by developing our choirs and the opportunities for musical education we are able to offer our choristers. We also want to restore our precious and rare collection of medieval glass and to share this and our stunning collection of modern glass and works of art with all who visit.

‘god iS Spirit, and thoSe Who WorShip hiM MuSt WorShip in Spirit and in truth’

liKe thin plaCeS, the artS not only tranSCend the SenSeS, But tranSCend the BoundarieS of tiMe and SpaCe. While you’re looKing or liStening, tiMe SeeMS to Stand Still, and there iS a CoMMunion With the huMan SpiritS that have experienCed it Before and are yet to experienCe it

“A place of beauty and creativity, enriching and giving meaning to life”

Music and art have always played an essential part in worship. Over the centuries, every generation has developed a new style or fresh expression. As well as embracing the new, Cathedrals have kept faith with their traditions, and are now the custodians of a vast musical and artistic heritage.

Coventry Cathedral shines with creativity. From the foundation of the first Cathedral over 1000 years ago, the Cathedral community has been steward of this heritage, faithfully ensuring that worshippers and seekers alike can experience something of God, be moved closer to Jesus, or simply be inspired by its beauty. The medieval Cathedral led the way by commissioning stained windows by the greatest glass artist of the time – John Thornton. The new Cathedral has one of the finest organs in the country and has commissioned great pieces of music, such as Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem. It is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of 20th century art, including works by John Piper, Graham Sutherland, Elizabeth Frink and Jacob Epstein.

Today, music provides a living link between Christians through the generations and across denominations. It also provides unique educational opportunities for children from schools throughout the City, helping them grow in confidence, develop their musical skills and enriching their lives.

The art and architecture of the Cathedral continue to inspire many thousands of visitors and pilgrims from around the world.

We are privileged but challenged by our responsibilities for protecting the nation’s heritage. However, we are building a growing body of Cathedral Friends who love this place and feel indebted to what has been accomplished here. Together, we are committed to protecting this heritage for future generations.

‘god iS Spirit, and thoSe Who WorShip hiM MuSt WorShip in Spirit and in truth’

liKe thin plaCeS, the artS not only tranSCend the SenSeS, But tranSCend the BoundarieS of tiMe and SpaCe. While you’re looKing or liStening, tiMe SeeMS to Stand Still, and there iS a CoMMunion With the huMan SpiritS that have experienCed it Before and are yet to experienCe it

young people are invited to a different Way of living in their relationShipS

‘While you have the light, Believe in the light, So that you May BeCoMe Children of light’

“A place that brings history to life and inspires each new generation”

Stepping into the historic ruins or breathtaking nave of the Cathedral has inspired and influenced hundreds of thousands of school children since the opening of the new Cathedral in 1962. The story of reconciliation has also inspired whole schools to reflect on their understanding of conflict and reconciliation and make lasting changes to their school life.

The attitudes and beliefs that shape the way we live are formed by the influences and experiences of our childhood. We believe we have a great responsibility to share our faith, our heritage and our story of reconciliation with every child we meet.

We are no less committed once young people leave school and are confronted by a world that can be hostile and ignorant of their needs. Our Youth Ministry goes out to young people in the city centre, many of whom have been hurt and damaged by their life experience. Many are welcomed to Bardsley House, a place of friendship and safety which offers practical, emotional and spiritual encouragement.

Coventry plays host to thousands of students each year from all over the world. We open our doors to them with the invitation to share in our journey of faith, encouraging them to make a positive difference through their lives.

Young people are invited to a different way of living in their relationships with themselves, with others, with God and with the world.

At the heart of our reconciliation story lies respect for others and a belief in a safe and sustainable world. This is Coventry’s gift to young people and generations to come.

Learning has been an important part of our Cathedral tradition for centuries. Today more than 20,000 children visit the Cathedral each

year to learn and enjoy our wonderful heritage or to receive vital support in times of crisis and change. We are committed

to the amazing work of our Schools’ and Youth ministries and to securing

the support they need to flourish.

young people are invited to a different Way of living in their relationShipS

‘While you have the light, Believe in the light, So that you May BeCoMe Children of light’

Learning has been an important part of our Cathedral tradition for centuries. Today more than 20,000 children visit the Cathedral each

year to learn and enjoy our wonderful heritage or to receive vital support in times of crisis and change. We are committed

to the amazing work of our Schools’ and Youth ministries and to securing

the support they need to flourish.

Learning has been an important part of our Cathedral tradition for centuries. Today more than 20,000 children visit the Cathedral each

year to learn and enjoy our wonderful heritage or to receive vital support in times of crisis and change. We are committed

to the amazing work of our Schools’ and Youth ministries and to securing

the support they need to flourish.

Learning has been an important part of our Cathedral tradition for centuries. Today more than 20,000 children visit the Cathedral each

year to learn and enjoy our wonderful heritage or to receive vital support in times of crisis and change. We are committed

to the amazing work of our Schools’ and Youth ministries and to securing

the support they need to flourish.

Learning has been an important part of our Cathedral tradition for centuries. Today more than 20,000 children visit the Cathedral each

year to learn and enjoy our wonderful heritage or to receive vital support in times of crisis and change. We are committed

to the amazing work of our Schools’ and Youth ministries and to securing

the support they need to flourish.

Be our CoMpanion for the Journey

Thank you for taking time to read this brochure.

Our vision is bold and daring, in keeping with the tradition of our forebears. Just as their vision in 1940 could not be achieved by the Cathedral community alone, now more than ever we need many others to share in our vision and help us grow closer to making it a reality.

There are many ways you can help.

viSit the Cathedral You are always welcome and there is no better way through which to deepen your understanding of what this brochure describes.

CeleBrate With uS Whether you have a special association with the Cathedral or are simply inspired by our vision for the future, we want as many people as possible to join our Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2012. Be part of it.

MaKe a gift If you have been inspired by this brochure or a recent visit, please make a gift to support our work. If you are able to make this a regular commitment you can set up a direct debit online via our website or by post on request.

leave a gift in your Will Achieving our vision will take time and we will need support and encouragement for many years to come. Your gift will help us in challenging times and enable thousands of people to benefit from our reconciliation work and ministries.

Join the friendS of Coventry Cathedral In becoming a Friend of Coventry Cathedral, you will be joining an international community of people committed to the future of the Cathedral and all that it stands for. To find out more about the Friends and how to join visit: www.friendsofcoventrycathedral.org.uk

If you would like to see more of the Cathedral or have a specific interest in anything we do, the Dean of Coventry and the Cathedral team would be delighted to arrange a visit or to explain how your support would make a real difference.

To learn more about our Golden Jubilee celebrations or for assistance with making a gift to the Cathedral, please contact us on 024 7652 1217 or e-mail: coventry.gift@coventrycathedral.org.uk

‘huManity WaS never So happily inSpired aS When it Made a Cathedral’Robert Louis Stevenson, 1850-1894

Reflections on thin places extracted from: Walking through Thin Places – M. Burgoyne • Thin Places – Revd. Dr Mark Roberts Invisible we see you: Tracing Celtic threads through Christian community – Nancy Cocks Quotes from Jesus of Nazareth are taken from the Gospel of John.

Images courtesy of Tim Eccleston, Cathedral Archives and Coventry Evening Telegraph.

Coventry Cathedral 1 Hill Top, Coventry CV1 5AB, United Kingdom • Telephone +44 (0)24 7652 1200 • Fax +44 (0)24 7652 1220 www.coventrycathedral.org.uk This brochure has been printed on 100% recycled paper, made using FSC certified fibres. Environmental: NAPM 100% recycled certified, ISO 14001, Process Chlorine Free (PCF).

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