From Devastation to Reconciliation: The Story of the Cross of Nails
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Destruction of Coventry Cathedral
- God's Presence Amidst the Chaos
- Finding Hope in the Rubble
- The Cross of Nails: A Symbol of Reconciliation
- The Impact of the Cross of Nails
- The Cross of Nails Pilgrimage
- Reconciliation in the Diocese
- Embracing the Ministry of Reconciliation
- Conclusion
The Destruction of Coventry Cathedral
🔹 Introduction:
The night was ice clear, and a full moon illuminated the skies above Coventry in southern England. Little did the residents know that this peaceful night would soon be shattered by the deafening growl of approaching bombers. At ten past seven, an alarm sounded, signaling the impending danger. Before the alarm could even finish sounding, the first bombs started to rain down on the city, unleashing a night of unimaginable terror and chaos.
🔹 God's Presence Amidst the Chaos:
As the bombs fell, screams echoed through the air, mingling with the sounds of collapsing buildings and falling rafters. In the midst of this devastation, Coventry Cathedral, a symbol of faith, stood tall, but not for long. The roof caught fire, and as the intense heat caused the steel ties holding the building together to twist and turn, the cathedral began to emit hauntingly painful screams. It seemed as though the very structure itself was crying out in agony.
The city burned, and the cathedral burned with it. When those who survived the night returned in the morning, all that remained was a charred ruin, open to the sky. The question on everyone's lips was, "Where was God in the midst of this destruction? If even the cathedral had been destroyed, where could God possibly be?"
🔹 Finding Hope in the Rubble:
Amongst the rubble, there was not much left to see but destruction. However, amidst the charred beams and twisted girders, a glimmer of hope emerged. Jock Forbes, the cathedral stonemason, climbed the tower early the next morning. As he looked down, he saw two roof beams lying in the shape of a cross. It was in this moment that he recognized hope in the midst of despair.
Forbes took the beams, bound them together, and placed them behind the altar of rubble as an altar cross. This act of resilience and faith reminded Provost Howard of another day of darkness – the day Jesus was nailed to the cross. It became clear to him that God's identification with human suffering and his resistance to vengeance were both profound lessons that continue to inspire and challenge us today.
Embodying this message of forgiveness, Provost Howard had the words "Father forgive" written on the wall of the ruined cathedral's sanctuary. The simplicity of those two words – not "Father forgive them" – served as a reminder for all who visited to reflect on their own role in destructive patterns of behavior.
🔹 The Cross of Nails: A Symbol of Reconciliation:
Heartbroken and determined to build a kinder world, Provost Howard vowed to work with those who had once been enemies once the war was over. He spoke of a more Christ-like world, rooted in forgiveness and reconciliation. It was during a BBC radio broadcast from the cathedral ruins on Christmas Day 1940 that he first declared this sentiment.
The cross of nails quickly became an emblem of friendship and hope in the post-war era. In gratitude and solidarity, many crosses were gifted to individuals and organizations around the world. The new cathedral, rebuilt next to the ruins, became a beacon of peace-making and reconciliation. Today, the community of the Cross of Nails has expanded, encompassing partner charities, churches, seminaries, and schools, all working towards peace and reconciliation on various scales – locally, nationally, and internationally.
🔹 The Impact of the Cross of Nails:
The influence of the Cross of Nails reaches far beyond Coventry. The community formed by its symbol and mission collaborates with partners all over the world in carrying out the Coventry Litany of Reconciliation. Through this powerful ceremony, participants acknowledge their own shortcomings and the divisions that exist among nations, races, and classes. They recognize the need for forgiveness and seek unity, echoing the words of Father Fergie, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."
🔹 The Cross of Nails Pilgrimage:
In celebration of the cross's significance, the Cross of Nails Pilgrimage is undertaken by Church of England schools in the diocese. This pilgrimage serves as an opportunity for students to learn about the origin of the cross and gain a deeper understanding of reconciliation's meaning. It encourages dialogue, fostering mutual understanding and empathy among individuals from diverse backgrounds.
🔹 Reconciliation in the Diocese:
As the centenary year of the diocese approaches, the message of reconciliation calls upon us to make it our own. The invitation to embrace this ministry extends to the cathedral, parishes, church communities, schools, and chaplains throughout the diocese. Together, we can be ambassadors of reconciliation, following in the footsteps of God, who, through Christ, has reconciled us to himself. The Ministry of Reconciliation becomes our calling, as we strive to bridge the divides within the diocese and foster a spirit of unity and understanding.
Conclusion:
The story of Coventry Cathedral and the Cross of Nails represents a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of reconciliation. In the face of unimaginable destruction, individuals like Jock Forbes and Provost Howard found hope and forgiveness. Today, the cross stands as a symbol, reminding us of the importance of empathy, forgiveness, and unity in a fractured world. As we strive to embrace the Ministry of Reconciliation, may we be inspired by the story of Coventry and work towards creating a more Christ-like world, one that extends understanding and grace to all.
