His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and German president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Coventry Cathedral on Friday 5th December, the final day of the German president’s state visit to the UK.
The Duke, the president and his wife, Ms. Elke Büdenbender, were greeted in the cathedral ruins by the Bishop of Coventry, Sophie Jelley, the city’s Lord Mayor, councillor Rachel Lancaster, the cathedral’s Canon for Welcome and Reconciliation, the Revd Nitano Muller, and the Dean of Coventry, the Very Reverend John Witcombe.
A wreath laying ceremony took place in front of the altar of the ruins. A wreath of black, yellow and red flowers and a German flag was laid by a cadet on the altar. Three other wreaths, with white and red flowers, were also placed on to the ground.
Last month marked the 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz where the German Luftwaffe killed 568 people, destroyed thousands of buildings including the cathedral. Following the bombing, Provost Richard Howard famously wrote ‘Father Forgive’ in the ruins and broadcasted a message of peace and reconciliation. Coventry is twinned with the German cities of Kiel and Dresden in recognition of the shared experience of aerial bombings during the Second World War.
After the wreath laying, the visiting group were shown inside the city's new cathedral, which was consecrated in 1962.
A prayer service was held to highlight the cathedral’s continued commitment to peace and reconciliation led by the Dean of Coventry and included prayers by local faith leaders.
Dean John introduced the service saying, “We gather here today in this holy place of ruins and resurrection to welcome the President of the Federal Republic of Germany.
“Coventry and Dresden share a story shaped by destruction, rebuilding and courageous friendship.
“Yet our gathering stands for more than the bond between two cities.
“It speaks of the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and Germany – nations that have walked through the devastations of war, embraced reconciliation and now stand side by side as advocates for peace in Europe and across the world.”
He then read aloud The Lord’s Prayer in German to the congregation, before the president and his wife lit candles.
The visit ended with a reception in the cathedral attended by local school children and military personnel.