Southwark Cathedral joins Christian networks praying for peace

Southwark Cathedral joined a network of Christian faiths praying for peace on Sunday.

The Church of England’s congregation became a member of the Community of the Cross of Nails, a worldwide group working for peace, justice and reconciliation.

It was created for the rebuilding of the bombed Coventry Cathedral, taking its inspiration from the words of Jesus on the cross – “Father forgive”.

The cathedral was presented with a cross of nails by the Dean of Coventry, the Very Revd John Witcombe, to signify its membership.

The cross was blessed by the Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, who led worshippers in an Affirmation of Commitment.

The cross has been placed in the chapel dedicated to St Francis of Assisi and St Elisabeth of Hungary, which will become the place for the cathedral’s focus on reconciliation within the communities of South London – with a particular emphasis on the problems of youth violence and knife crime.

The Dean of Southwark, the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, said: “Southwark Cathedral is deeply honoured to have been accepted into the Community of the Cross of Nails and the cross will give a focus to our new challenge of seeking to promote reconciliation in the communities of the Diocese of Southwark.

“In this we will be mindful of the three guiding principles of the Community: healing the wounds of history, learning to live with difference and celebrate diversity, and building a culture of peace”.