On November 14, 1940, a German air-raid passed over the center of England. The medieval cathedral of Coventry was left a burnt-out shell. In 1962 a new cathedral was consecrated which I visited a couple of years later. It is strikingly beautiful with its Sutherland tapestry, Piper stained glass windows and unique baptistry hewn out of a massive rock. The cathedral has become a center of reconciliation between former enemies. In the ruins of the old cathedral stands an altar with a cross of nails and another made of charred timbers. Written on a plaque before this altar each lunchtime there is a short service which uses the following litany. It is as relevant today as ever.

The hatred which divides nation from nation, race from race, class from class,

Father, forgive.

The covetous desires of men and nations to possess what is not their own,

Father, forgive.

The greed with exploits the labors of men and women, and lays waste the earth,

Father, forgive.

Our envy of the welfare and happiness of others,

Father, forgive.

Our indifference to the plight of the homeless and the refugee,

Father, forgive.

The lust which uses for ignoble ends the bodies of men and women,

Father, forgive.

The pride which leads us to trust in ourselves and not in God,

Father, forgive.