'How do we speak about peace at a time of war?' - Iona regional gathering

 Fractured Faith: ’Talking of Peace in a Time of War’


Last Saturday I attended our regional plenary (mid England) of the Iona Community. It was led by Ruth Harvey ( Leader of the Iona Community) and Revd. Mary Gregory (Canon for Arts and Reconciliation at Coventry Cathedral). We met at Coventry Cathedral in St Michael’s House.





It was really good to meet up with people from all round the region, and as I am beginning to get to know one or two people, see some familiar faces. I travelled with Alison (87) a member of the community and a delightful travel companion who really made me smile and laugh.









Mary Gregory gave the main input as we reflected on how we engage in peacemaking and talking about peace, especially as we have the context of wars in Gaza, Ukraine and so many other places with all the terrible consequences that war creates. All this set against a Cathedral that was formed out of the ruins of the bombing of Coventry in 1940. 




We had opportunity to take a pilgrimage around the old and new cathedrals in the afternoon with Mary giving us much food for thought as we did so. 
















To stand before the gifted statue from the people of Dresden, the ‘Choir of Survivors’ in the ruins  was particularly poignant. 500 people lost their lives in the 1940 bombing of Coventry, but 25,000 were killed in the bombing of Dresden in February 1945 right near the end of the war, which begs the question why. 


The words ‘Father Forgive’ behind the old altar a reminder that this is the cry of all people. 











The Font was a gift from the people of Jordan, a boulder from Bethlehem, carved by the sculptor Ralph Beyer a German.


And of course the famous 'Christ in Glory'  tapestry by Graham Sutherland which dominates the building. The lion of Mark, the eagle of John, the calf of Luke and a winged man for Matthew surround the figure. 




I loved the welcome sign for the Cathedral.






In all our conversations, reflections and worship we know that for peace to happen it starts with ourselves. Peacemaking is a way of life. It is inextricably linked to Justice. It is not something that just applies to Gaza or Ukraine. It applies to our next door neighbour, our families and friends.


Peacemaking requires perseverance, forgiveness and a willingness to give up something of ourselves. 


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