The Dean of Coventry, the Very Rev John Witcombe, journeyed to Berlin this week to participate in a national service of remembrance for the eightieth anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
The service is being held at Coventry Cathedral’s partner church, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche, on Thursday. It can be attended by Federal State President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and broadcast continue to exist German television.
Coventry Cathedral has long been considered a logo of post-war peace and resilience as much of the medieval cathedral was destroyed in World War II through the Coventry Blitz. Since then, peace and reconciliation has been a significant a part of its ministry.Rev Witcombe is ready to present the Coventry Litany of Reconciliation on the Berlin service, where it should be delivered in seven different languages.
“I’m honoured to have been invited to take part in the national service of remembrance happening within the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche in Berlin, with Federal state President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and other international representatives,” he said.
“I can be introducing the Coventry Litany of Reconciliation, a prayer for God’s forgiveness for all that divides people and nations, which can then be led by voices from different countries before I conclude, praying within the words of St. Paul, ‘Be kind to 1 one other, tender hearted, forgiving each other as God in Christ forgave you.’”
The Litany, written in 1958 by Canon Joseph Poole, stays a strong expression of healing and unity.
It includes the words “Father Forgive,” which were engraved on the cathedral’s ruins by Provost Dick Howard after the Blitz – echoing
Christ’s prayer on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they have no idea what they’re doing.”
As the UK marks 80 years since VE Day, cathedrals in Coventry and other parts of England are set to play a central role within the commemorations honouring the legacy of peace and the sacrifice of those that gave their lives through the Second World War.
UK churches and cathedrals are marking the occasion with a big selection of events and services each locally and internationally.
The Royal Family and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will attend a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey at noon.
Back in Coventry, renowned historians Adam Neale and Adam Wood will speak on the 1939 IRA bombing of Coventry and the 1940 Blitz, providing personal testimonies and fresh insight into the town’s wartime experience.
A special Choral Evensong will happen at 5:15pm. Then at 6:30pm the cathedral’s bell tower will join the national “Ring Out” initiative, led by Bell Ringing Master Andrew Alldrick.
At Newcastle Cathedral, VE Day will concentrate on remembering over 6,000 Danish merchant sailors who served the Allied cause through the war.
Danish Pastor Karsten Møller Hansen will preside over a special service at 11:30am, accompanied by wreath-laying on the cathedral’s memorial to Danish sailors, a lot of whom called Newcastle their home port from 1941.
The day’s events will proceed with a Eucharist service at 12:30pm and community gathering at Café 16.
HC Anderson of the Danish Church in Newcastle praised the cathedral’s ongoing commitment to keeping these sailors’ stories alive, noting, “Normal life was hard to resume for the various who returned to Denmark, and lots of selected to remain within the UK, which had been their home for five years.”
Lincoln Cathedral will mark the anniversary with a programme of music and reflection starting at 4:30pm in Castle Square with Forties-themed entertainment and displays from military groups including the Royal British Legion.
At 5:30pm, a Choral Evensong service will occur, followed by the ringing of the cathedral bells at 6:30pm.
Visitors may also be invited to light candles and reflect within the cathedral from 6:30pm to eight:30pm.
Later that evening, at 9:30pm, the Dean of Lincoln will deliver the official tribute ahead of a beacon lighting ceremony.The cathedral itself can be illuminated in blue, red, and white throughout the night.
A special concert on May 17 featuring the Royal Air Force College Band and the Cathedral Choir will bring the commemorations to a detailed.
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