Coventry, Midlands, England
You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well.
—Lewis B. Smedes (1921–2002), American ethicist and theologian
The morning after the Luftwaffe bombed their cathedral on November 14, 1940, the people of Coventry, led by the vision of their spiritual leader Provost Richard Howard, decided to rebuild in the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation. The new Coventry Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Michael, rises in glorious splendor next to the decimated ruins of the blitzed medieval cathedral, and linking them are two sacred works: the Cross of Nails, from nails found in the ruins, and Reconciliation, a beautiful bronze sculpture.
If you want to work on forgiveness and also learn more about reconciliation and peace, visit Coventry Cathedral, located in the West Midlands District of England at 1 Hill Top, Coventry. The nearest airport is in Birmingham and the nearest train station is in Coventry, a ten-minute walk to the cathedral. If you go by rental car, there is parking a short distance away. The cathedral is free to enter.
Visit the new cathedral as well as the ruins of the medieval church next door and reflect upon the destruction as well as the new construction as departure points into your prayer for reconciliation and world peace.
Both the wooden cross, made of charred beams from the ruins, and the cross of nails, made from the nails found in the rubble, were created after the bombing and have become symbols for peace and reconciliation around the world.