麻豆约拍

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with the the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell, the archbishop of York

Good morning.

Reconciliation is an absolutely central concept for the Christian faith. And working for reconciliation will be a theme running through this week鈥檚 Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops. Reconciliation is also something that can be lived out in all sorts of ways 鈥� large and small - and in all sorts of divided places.

Near the Shankill and Falls Rd in Belfast, an area known for its violent past during Northern Ireland鈥檚 鈥榯roubles鈥�, the Church Army has one of its centres of mission. It is there to witness to the reconciling love of God and God鈥檚 presence in every place and every situation, especially where there is disagreement.

A project called 鈥楤aby Basics鈥� works with families from the Republican and Nationalist communities. Ministers from different denominations meet regularly to pray and to grow in understanding.

鈥淲e acknowledge that we are a long way from bringing our two communities together,鈥� says Karen the Church Army Evangelist working there, 鈥渂ut we are, under God, prepared to pray together, walk together and support all those who want to see this area return to being the place of worship it was and could be again.鈥�

鈥楲ive for righteousness鈥�, says the first letter of Peter. That is exactly what this Church is doing and has been doing for a long time. The word 鈥榮hankill鈥� means 鈥極ld Church.鈥� Worship has been offered here since 455AD. But there is still more to do. More hearts to change.

So, we pray 鈥�

Righteous God, heal the divisions of the world and make your church a sign of hope in dark and difficult times ;and in those places in the word where there is division and conflict bring your peace. Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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