In 1940 in Coventry, England, the unthinkable happened to the local church. The Coventry Cathedral, built in the 14th century was bombed by the Nazi during WW2.
But what was even more unthinkable at the time, is the response of the church family of that town.
During the clean-up of the rubble, a church workman noticed two charred wooden beams lying on the ground in the shape of the cross, and he tied them together.
The church was so moved, it led them to respond, not in anger, but with forgiveness
Although it was extremely controversial at the time, as you can imagine, they decided to walk the path of forgiveness because of the forgiveness they had themselves received from Jesus Christ and His death on the cross to forgive them of their own sin against God.
They forgave, because God forgave them through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice!
The original charred cross was preserved and is still exhibited within their new cathedral (built later). But a replica was put outside in the ruins of the old cathedral, with the words “Father Forgive”, to remind all generations that forgiveness is the way of God through the love of Jesus Christ!
To this day they have a daily time of prayer for forgiveness and reconciliation for all who are visiting their church. What started with an evil act in 1940, is now a living witness to the world of God’s forgiveness, through the daily life of this church.
If you don’t currently have a local church family, we invite you to join Glen Arbor Community Church on Sundays @ 10 am at 204 Church Street in West Chicago, IL. We too strive to be a spiritual family focused on God’s forgiveness!