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Reconciliation ministry
Our story
“It’s about taking the risk of doing precisely what Jesus did, and asked his disciples to do. To love their enemies.”
— Revd Canon Paul Oestreicher, Canon for Reconciliation, Coventry Cathedral, 1985–97
Today the medieval ruins sitting alongside the New Cathedral continue to remind us of our human capacity both to destroy and to reach out to our enemies in friendship and reconciliation.
From the destruction, a vision for peace building and reconciliation work rose from the ashes which is at the heart of Coventry Cathedral’s mission to this day.
Coventry Cathedral has long been recognised worldwide as one of the world’s oldest religious-based centres for reconciliation, with our work in recent decades being involved in some of the world’s most difficult and long-standing areas of conflict.
Community of the Cross of Nails
Coventry Cathedral is unique in having its own network of some 260 partners around the world, the Community of the Cross of Nails, which have welcomed connection with us in the decades since the end of WWII through our timeless story of destruction and renewal, hope amid darkness, and resurrection. It all began with the first Cross of Nails given in friendship and recognition in 1947, to the church of St Nikolai in Kiel, Germany.
Over the following decades, communities of peace builders in churches, cathedrals, retreat centres, seminaries, memorials, charities and social justice organisations sprang up across the world, expressing their allegiance to the Coventry story, with the commitment to what are now our three priorities: Healing the Wounds of History; Learning to Live with Difference and Celebrate Diversity; and Building a Culture of Justice and Peace. Learn more about the CCN work and community here.
International Cross of Nails Schools
ICONS is a growing network of primary and secondary schools – of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds – around the world, that have recognised the opportunity for introducing principles of peace, forgiveness, conflict transformation and reconciliation into their school communities. We believe children and young people can positively impact their school and local community, challenge prejudice, foster peaceful relationships and celebrate diversity. Find out more about our ICONS work here.
Arts and Reconciliation
Much more than simply a Church of England building, the new Cathedral was set up from the start to be a place for all people to gather together, hosting experimental art, drama and music from the beginning. Today, within this we hold community events, art, exhibitions and discussions which embrace and welcome difference and diversity, as well as offering creative, inclusive approaches to worship and practising our faith.
Four of the people who have been Canons for Reconciliation here at Coventry Cathedral — Justin Welby, Paul Oestreicher, David Porter and Sarah Hills — share their reflections on reconciliation.
“You have never really engaged in the work of reconciliation until your own people feel that you have betrayed them.”
— John Paul Lederach, Professor of International Peacebuilding, University of Notre Dame, Indiana
Transformation
stories
Bombing, to buildingThe personal journey of a military man
We are a worldwide network of some 260 churches, charities, chaplaincies, peace-building and retreat centres, schools and other educational and training organisations, all inspired by the Coventry story of destruction, rebuilding and renewal, and active in reconciliation in our own ways.
Interested in coming on placement to Coventry for six-twelve months?
A Volunteer Reconciliation Internship at Coventry Cathedral is a unique experience for those seeking to develop their understanding of reconciliation as part of a dynamic Christian community, while contributing to the overall life of our world-famous Cathedral at the heart of this young, multicultural and diverse city. It offers the opportunity to:
Gain experience in a busy, multi-partner working environment,Develop skills in logistics, project management, research, administration, presentation and communications, andLearn and explore a range of issues in relation to the theology, practice and spirituality of reconciliation.The volunteer intern role is predominately office-based during the Cathedral office hours of 09:00 to 17:00 Mondays through Fridays, with some evening and weekend work supporting events and bookings (for which time off is taken in lieu). The internship length is flexible, with a minimum period of 6 months, starting usually in September. We aim to have two-three volunteer interns at any one time; interns live and work with other young interns from different countries, all just a short direct train journey away from both Birmingham and London.
At present, two of the posts are sponsored by partners in Germany and North America and are reserved for nationals from Germany (applying via Aktion Suhnezeichen Friedensdienste) and the United States or Canada.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an internship, prospective interns should:
Be over 18 years of age at the time internship commences (German candidates), and ideally over 21 years of age (North American and UK/other Interns)Be a practising Christian Have an interest in reconciliation and peace buildingDemonstrate sufficient proficiency in spoken and written EnglishBe a good communicatorBe able to work independently with minimal supervisionBe able to work as part of a teamBe able to pass a DBS background checkIt is also desired that the prospective intern have:
A degree in an appropriate discipline (e.g. International Relations, Politics, Public Policy, Peace or Conflict Studies, Development Studies, Theology) (US/Canadian/UK candidates);Good IT and social media skills
Duties
All Volunteer Intern posts will involve giving regular support to the Community of the Cross of Nails, Events, Schools, Welcome and Ministry teams, to include:
Researching and communicating with partners (or translating communications) as required;Inputting to the planning and evaluation of activity;Offering a hospitable welcome to visitors of varying seniority from around the world, ranging from preparing and providing refreshments for groups, to welcoming day visitors within the Cathedral nave, giving tours and presentations, and preparing accommodation;Drafting newsletters, creating flyers, writing blog and social media posts;Providing logistical support and hospitality for pilgrimages, visits and other events and meetings;Facilitating meetings bookings, including setting up and cleaning up from meetings and events, and co-ordination of access;Supporting Cathedral, Diocesan and/or City reconciliation events;Logistically and practically supporting Cathedral life in all its forms. Additionally, volunteers are encouraged to become involved in the Cathedral Community and the worship and/or musical life of the Cathedral, by participating in services and acts of worship as they feel led.
Costs & Support
The Cathedral will provide:
Accommodation – free on site in Dewis Lodge, with a private study bedroom;Volunteer day-to-day expenses up to £275 per month;Expenses, including travel, incurred in the performance of duties.Organised visits to some of our CCN partners each summer, towards the end of their stay with us. Read about last year's visits to CCN partners here.Application process for US/Canada and UK interns
in the first instance are by CV and covering letter to the Community of the Cross of Nails Co-ordinator (Email: alice.farnhill@coventry.anglican.org). Please include in the letter how your skills and experience support the eligibility requirements and duties, why you are interested in the position, and what your expectations of the volunteer internship are. Applicants will then be invited to an online interview. Although normally starting each September, a vacancy may occur at different points in the year. Prospective applicants should enquire about current and forthcoming vacancies before submitting their CV.
ICONS is a growing network of primary and secondary schools – of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds – around the world, that have recognised the opportunity for introducing principles of peace, forgiveness, conflict transformation and reconciliation into their school communities.
Together for Hope was 'born' in 2018, a sister network to the global Community of the Cross of Nails (CCN). Inspired similarly by Coventry’s story of hope, forgiveness and reconciliation, Together for Hope’s partners - secular and non-Christian faith-based organisations - share a commitment to pursuing reconciliation and peace in their own contexts, while maintaining Coventry and its story as their focus and connection with other partners. We nurture each other through mutual support and fellowship.
We are working on plans to expand involvement in Together for Hope to individuals, too, very soon - do watch this space!
