I've never visited this Cathedral before and it was a real treat to see it and participate in its worship on Sunday. The juxtaposition between the old and new building is profoundly moving because the message Coventry has sent out to the world since the war is one of forgiveness and reconciliation - that ethos seems to be in the very DNA of the Cathedral community.
Two moments went deep with me during our day of celebration.
The first came as I looked up at the huge tapestry of Christ in Glory by Graham Sutherland. We were told it was the size of Wimbledon's Centre Court! It has become an iconic piece of work but the thing that struck me on Sunday was the young face of Christ. He looked just like any recent graduate from University today. Reminding me that the Jesus of the Gospels really was a young man - a radical - a disturber of the status-quo. Something of the life and energy of his message, I think, comes through in that Coventry tapestry.
The other moment came during the wonderful speech given by our host. She reflected on the huge support she and her husband found at Coventry fifty years ago from the Canon who prepared them for marriage. At that time so much was going on in their lives yet this servant of God brought a sense of peace, perspective and support - all remembered with thanksgiving half a century later.
It made me realise once more that what we value most about those who have gone before us are things like 'encouragement', 'support' and 'understanding'. Such people live long in our memories and even fifty years on remain a cause for thanksgiving.
It was good to be sent to Coventry last weekend! And in doing so be challenged by a young Christ, inspired by the ethos of reconciliation found in that holy place and be reminded again that the best memories we can leave behind are ones of encouragement.
With best wishes,
Ian
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