All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…
2 Corinthians 5:18
Coventry is the Diocese of Reconciliation.
Reconciliation is our story – embodied visibly in our ruined and rebuilt Cathedral. Reconciliation is our gift and charism in the ministry which has grown up locally, nationally and internationally from this story. Reconciliation is the lens through which we see all we are called to be and do. And our commitment to reconciliation is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in which we are reconciled with God and with one another, and called to reconcile all creation in justice, peace and love.
Being a Diocese of Reconciliation looks like valuing the breadth of traditions within the Church of England. While historically an Evangelical Diocese, Coventry has been a place where difference in theological approaches or worshipping styles is celebrated and our need for one another acknowledged.
Being a Diocese of Reconciliation looks like remaining open to one another in some of the differences which divide the church. In the past, Coventry managed to combine being a diocese which championed the ministry of women, while nurturing those priests and parishes who could not, in theological conscience, accept this ministry. In the present day, Coventry is seeking to find a way to journey well together through the challenges posed by Living in Love and Faith.
Being a Diocese of Reconciliation looks like having a serious commitment to work for justice. The Together for Change charity transforms communities and provides opportunities in places where there is socio-economic injustice. Our racial equality work seeks to lament and learn from the failures of the past, celebrate the gift of UKME/ GMH Christians to the church today and work together for a shared future. Our Diocesan Synod is deeply committed to environmental justice and has committed significant funds to enable us to work towards Net Zero.
These threads of reconciliation, of valuing difference, of holding together across conflict or challenges and working for justice are woven through the lives of our churches and worshipping communities, chaplaincies and schools as well as our iconic cathedral. We do not get it right all the time, but we believe this is our calling as a diocese.
Find out more about Coventry Cathedral
Reconciliation Enabler
Emma Crick de Boom is working on lots of excellent projects including, The Conflict Transformation Group, The Difference Course and halping to facilitate the LLF & PLF discussion in the diocese.
Email Emma