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Since
1994 there has been a link between parishes in Kenilworth
Deanery and a number of parishes in and around Dresden,
based on the relationship between Coventry and Dresden that
there has been since the bombing of those two cities in
World War 2. Every couple of years a group of about twenty
people fly across either from Dresden to Kenilworth Deanery
or vice versa. The trips are not exclusively for Anglicans
and indeed one or two people from outside the area have
participated in the past. For new people on the trip, it's
often a discovery of how war has shaped our lives - the
tragedy and senselessness, but also of wounds being healed
through forgiveness. We also learn about the differences
between living in communist and capitalist systems. For
those who are repeating the journey, it's a time for renewing
friendships and discovering new things about the other country.
For the host country, it's also a time of partnership between
parishes. We also discuss matters of common interest, such
as how to rejuvenate our churches and the problems of financing
the church community.
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Generally
we look at things from the perspective of the "man
in the street", rather than thinking big strategic
thoughts. People who join our group are often surprised
at how ordinary everybody (from both countries) is, how
well we get on together, how much we have in common, and
we wonder how we once ended up at war against each other.
If we war at anything now, it's how we can outdo each other
in hospitality!
The
last group trip was in September 2006, when a team of four
from St. John's and St. Nicholas' Kenilworth went to Pastor
Ulrike Birkner-Kettenacker's chuch in Hosterwitz, near Dresden,
to join with people from other churches round Germany and
Poland with whom they are linked, as they were presented
with a Coventry Cross of Nails, and formally made a Cross
of Nails Centre. It was a most enriching time in every sense.
Jenny and Hamish Blair would like to hear from anyone who
would like to help in practical ways, such as organising
transport, church services or events. Many people have already
offered beds for the guests from Dresden, but it is possible
that more will be needed.
If
you have a heart for God's reconciling work and want to
find out more, contact your Deanery rep, or Hamish &
Jenny Blair (contact the church
office for e-mail and phone number) know
of your interest.
Kenilworth
St. John’s is a Cross of Nails Centre. The Community
of the Cross of Nails is a network of all sorts of different
kinds of organisations who are interested in peace and reconciliation.
St. John's membership of this network is partly in recognition
of the Deanery link with parishes in Dresden, but also because
of the other international links we have. For more information
on the Community of the Cross of Nails, see www.crossofnails.org. |
