St Michael defeating the devil at Coventry Cathedral.
I was pretty young the first time we visited Coventry Cathedral, catching the train from Northampton, visiting the ruins of the old cathedral, climbing the tower (I think it cost 10p each) and then marvelling at the stained glass in the new cathedral.
Since then, I've visited the cathedral numerous times, twice to attend anglican ordinations, and on the day I bought my red duffle coat, indeed, the latter was secondary to the former, as the cathedral and its precints are a place where I can find space to be still amidst the swirl of life.
Like Dresden, a city devastated by the effects of war. Like Dresden, a city where hope defied evil. Unsurprisingly, there is a special relationship between these two cities and the Cross of Nails is a sahred symbol of hope.
Not a prayer of my own today, but rather the Coventry Liturgy of reconiliation - an invitation from the angels who guard Coventry and Dresden to a more peaceful life...
All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
The hatred which divides nation from nation, race from race, class from class, FATHER FORGIVE.
The covetous desires of people and nations to possess what is not their own, FATHER FORGIVE.
The greed which exploits the work of human hands and lays waste the earth, FATHER FORGIVE.
Our envy of welfare and happiness of others, FATHER FORGIVE.
Our indifference to the plight of imprisoned, the homeless, the refugee, FATHER FORGIVE.
The lust which dishonours the bodie sof men, women and children, FATHER FORGIVE.
The pride which leads us to trustin ourselves and not in God, FATHER FORGIVE.
Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.