Remembering the fallen

Today, our three bishops gathered with people across the diocese to remember the fallen and all whose lives have been damaged by conflict.

Bishop Gavin spoke at St Olave’s, Fritwell, part of the Cherwell Valley Benefice, on the three reasons why we remember:

• We remember to give thanks. – We give thanks for the price paid by others that we might be free.
• We remember to share our grief. – As we remember – even as we give thanks – let us do so not in a spirit of triumphalism at having won the World Wars and other conflicts, but in a spirit of supporting one another where there is grief and loss.
• We remember to learn from the past: This is vital, because tragically, we are so bad at remembering, at learning from our mistakes. – And this seems to be more true in the arena of war than anywhere else.

He concluded: “And so, we remember today: We remember all those who have suffered and who have given their lives in warfare in the cause of freedom. We give thanks for them. We share our grief at loved ones lost, and at suffering continuing in the world today. And we remember Jesus giving himself out of his great love so that we might live.

“And, as we remember, let us commit ourselves to making that an active remembrance – to loving one another and working for peace in any way we can – whether that’s peace in our own individual relationships, peace in our communities, or peace at national and international level through our prayers, through our actions, through our supporting those who would work for peace.”

Sharing her message at Reading Minster, Bishop Mary explored a phrase used by US Senator Robert Kennedy during a visit to South Africa in 1966 ‘May you live in interesting times’.

She expanded on how we are living in such ‘interesting times’ with warnings about El Nino and threats of cyber attacks and the imminence of war, acknowledging the role of the Armed Forces in these threats.

Drawing on the Bible readings (Psalm 46, and Revelation 21.1-7) Bishop Mary talked about the presence and the promise of God: that amidst the disruption, God is with us; that after conflict we are promised peace.

She concluded how we are called to work for God’s promises, rather than wait for them passively: “Be ready themselves, not just with three days’ worth of emergency supplies, but especially by spiritual stockpiling.”

Bishop Dave joined worshippers at St Anne’s Wycombe Marsh in High Wycombe where he gave the introductory remarks discussing the reasons why we remember.