Still time to take part in the Celebration of Christian Reconciliation
Guernsey, 20th-27th September 1997
THE Channel Islands were the only British territories to be occupied during World War II. Many of the children were evacuated to England, separated from their parents and frequently from their brothers and sisters. On their return five years later, many did not know or recognise each other. Some even wished to return to their foster families. For many these painful memories were resurrected when Guernsey celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation in 1995, a joyful celebration for those who had endured the war years on the Island.
The Chairman of the Guernsey Council of Churches was herself a child refugee and felt the need to share the pain and confusion that World War II had brought to countless children on both sides. Thus the concept was born to invite German Christians of all denominations and those who were in Guernsey during the Occupation to pray and share these experiences together and enjoy a week in each other's company. The Rev Canon Paul Oestreicher of Coventry Cathedral, the Right Rev Jonathan Gledhill, Bishop of Southampton and other leading church-men will lead the prayers and discussion groups each evening, and church, cultural and outdoor events will be arranged for our guests and church members.
There is a poignant entry in the register of St Sampson's Church by Oberleutnant Burkert dated 8th May 1945. This was the last service he conducted for the German troops:
"I express my thanks for all the love of Christ which has come to us in this house of God during our stay in Guernsey. I pray that the Lord may lead the world towards the Eternal Goal of His Heavenly Kingdom and establish a Peace higher than all human understanding. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday and to-day and forever."
This hope is shared by our Chairman and many others in Guernsey for the benefit of future generations. With the help of the German Embassy, Wilhelm Burkert, now aged 83, and his wife have been traced and they will also be in Guernsey for the Reconciliation Week. "We wish to take part in this important and helpful event." He speaks of the religious revival amongst the German troops in the winter of 1944/45 and how some studied Theology in the PoW camps in England and Scotland between 1945 and 1948 under his tuition. A reunion was held in London and Coventry in 1995 for this "University behind the Barbed Wire."
Reconciliation was the theme of the second European Ecumenical Assembly held at Graz in Austria in June this year at which Councils of Churches throughout Europe were encouraged to present reconciliation initiatives.
Robin Gurney from the European Ecumenical Council in Geneva together with the Bishop of Winchester have been to Guernsey to launch Guernsey's initiative. The Rev Peter Lane represented Guernsey at Graz. The invitation to celebrate Christian Reconciliation in Guernsey from 20th-27th September has been sent to Germany.
The Guernsey Council of Churches believes there are German Christians resident in the UK and people with Guernsey connections, particularly with wartime memories who would also like to take part. They are requested to contact Guernsey Travel Services Ltd, Les Goubeys, Vale, Guernsey for information on travel and accommodation.
Celebrate Christian Reconciliation in Guernsey this September
Guernsey, 20th-27th September 1997
THE Channel Islands were the only British territories to be occupied during World War II. Many of the children were evacuated to England, separated from their parents and frequently from their brothers and sisters. On their return five years later, many did not know or recognise each other. Some even wished to return to their foster families. For many these painful memories were resurrected when Guernsey celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation in 1995, a joyful celebration for those who had endured the war years on the Island.
The Chairman of the Guernsey Council of Churches was herself a child refugee and felt the need to share the pain and confusion that World War II had brought to countless children on both sides. Thus the concept was born to invite German Christians of all denominations and those who were in Guernsey during the Occupation to pray and share these experiences together and enjoy a week in each other's company. The Rev Canon Paul Oestreicher of Coventry Cathedral, the Right Rev Jonathan Gledhill, Bishop of Southampton and other leading church-men will lead the prayers and discussion groups each evening, and church, cultural and outdoor events will be arranged for our guests and church members.
There is a poignant entry in the register of St Sampson's Church by Oberleutnant Burkert dated 8th May 1945. This was the last service he conducted for the German troops:
"I express my thanks for all the love of Christ which has come to us in this house of God during our stay in Guernsey. I pray that the Lord may lead the world towards the Eternal Goal of His Heavenly Kingdom and establish a Peace higher than all human understanding. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday and to-day and forever."
This hope is shared by our Chairman and many others in Guernsey for the benefit of future generations. With the help of the German Embassy, Wilhelm Burkert, now aged 83, and his wife have been traced and they will also be in Guernsey for the Reconciliation Week. "We wish to take part in this important and helpful event." He speaks of the religious revival amongst the German troops in the winter of 1944/45 and how some studied Theology in the PoW camps in England and Scotland between 1945 and 1948 under his tuition. A reunion was held in London and Coventry in 1995 for this "University behind the Barbed Wire."
Reconciliation was the theme of the second European Ecumenical Assembly held at Graz in Austria in June this year at which Councils of Churches throughout Europe were encouraged to present reconciliation initiatives.
Robin Gurney from the European Ecumenical Council in Geneva together with the Bishop of Winchester have been to Guernsey to launch Guernsey's initiative. The Rev Peter Lane represented Guernsey at Graz. The invitation to celebrate Christian Reconciliation in Guernsey from 20th-27th September has been sent to Germany.
The Guernsey Council of Churches believes there are German Christians resident in the UK and people with Guernsey connections, particularly with wartime memories who would also like to take part. They are requested to contact Guernsey Travel Services Ltd, Les Goubeys, Vale, Guernsey for information on travel and accommodation.
Celebrate Christian Reconciliation in Guernsey this September
A WORLD of DIFFERENCE
THE celebration of Christian reconciliation will take place in Guernsey from 20th to 27th September 1997 and a warm invitation is extended to members of all Christian denominations throughout Germany to participate.
The theme of the Second European Ecumenical Assembly, held in Graz in June, was titled: 'Reconciliation - Gift of God and source of New Life'
Local Councils of Churches throughout Europe are being encouraged to promote initiatives which will develop this theme, in ways appropriate to their own situations. In Guernsey there are churches of many traditions, Catholic and Protestant, and all would welcome the opportunity to meet Christians from the new Germany, of their own as well as of other denominations. It might be possible in some cases to arrange for individual congregations to be "twinned" with their Guernsey counter-parts. It is believed that there is much to be shared between both Christian communities and to be learnt from each other.
The Secretariat of the Conference of European Churches has defined "Reconciliation" in this context as "Getting on with each other again and being friends; it is the work of God's love as expressed in Jesus Christ."
Guernsey has many excellent hotels and comfortable guest houses where you would be made very welcome. This will not be a typical holiday as the occasion is seen by the Guernsey Council of Churches as a special opportunity for shared Christian friendship. In addition, those taking part will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery and cultural attractions which the Island is proud to offer, meet local Christians and their families, join in Church gatherings and receive a warm welcome from the Guernsey Tourist Board
THE celebration of Christian reconciliation will take place in Guernsey from 20th to 27th September 1997 and a warm invitation is extended to members of all Christian denominations throughout Germany to participate.
The theme of the Second European Ecumenical Assembly, held in Graz in June, was titled: 'Reconciliation - Gift of God and source of New Life'
Local Councils of Churches throughout Europe are being encouraged to promote initiatives which will develop this theme, in ways appropriate to their own situations. In Guernsey there are churches of many traditions, Catholic and Protestant, and all would welcome the opportunity to meet Christians from the new Germany, of their own as well as of other denominations. It might be possible in some cases to arrange for individual congregations to be "twinned" with their Guernsey counter-parts. It is believed that there is much to be shared between both Christian communities and to be learnt from each other.
The Secretariat of the Conference of European Churches has defined "Reconciliation" in this context as "Getting on with each other again and being friends; it is the work of God's love as expressed in Jesus Christ."
Guernsey has many excellent hotels and comfortable guest houses where you would be made very welcome. This will not be a typical holiday as the occasion is seen by the Guernsey Council of Churches as a special opportunity for shared Christian friendship. In addition, those taking part will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery and cultural attractions which the Island is proud to offer, meet local Christians and their families, join in Church gatherings and receive a warm welcome from the Guernsey Tourist Board
A WORLD of DIFFERENCE
NINE BY FIVE - that's the size of it. That is Jersey. A mere speck on the face of the Globe. Are we then just too small to figure in the affairs of the wide world?
Well, we may not be the centre of the universe but that should not diminish our significance or role. Our world is a precious whole which each of us affects for better or for worse. There is only one world and in it, each of us is creative or destructive. Each of us adds to or detracts from the value of its life. Each of us can poison or pollute it. Each of us can sweeten or refresh it. Each of us has a significant part to play in it.
You remember John Donne saying that no man is an island entire unto himself. Well, no island is an island entire unto itself either. We belong to our world and to each other and we cannot divorce ourselves from the reality of the responsibilities implied therein.
Moreover, God knows we are important and asks us to join Him in recreating our world, which is His world, which we can all share together. With regret, all of us know that in too many ways it is sadly damaged and neglected.
But let's take heart. Even as a small Island we can contribute usefully to the value of the whole of human life. We have many blessings to share and many more we can find in our world if we look for them.
I commend to you ONE WORLD WEEK which comes in October from 19th to 26th. Look out for ways to share this in Jersey.
Do we need a challenge to enjoy life? Read Deuteronomy 30 where God says to us: I set before you this day, life and death, blessing and cursing. Choose blessing and life!
BILL MATTHEWS
One World Movement
TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD
No Island is an island entire unto itself and jersey has a vital part to play in sharing responsibility for our world.
All of us have a precious part to play in shaping the future and maybe the survival of our planet.
We can rejoice in the riches of our world BUT . . .
issues have to be tackled and tasks embraced before our hopes can become realities.
One World Week addresses these issues:
I. POVERTY
Perhaps our biggest problem but one we can solve given the will. We work together in the International Decade for the Eradication of Poverty.
2. ENVIRONMENT
Our precious planet needs our loving care and we alone can save it.
3. RACISM
Self-interest has shattered human communities but we can rebuild from where we are.
4. OVERSEAS AID
As a rich Island we give less than we could to help others.
5. DEMOCRACY
Effective participation is difficult even for us in Jersey but it is not even an option for too many powerless people.
The One World movement seeks ways of re-educating each other to make a better world a reality for Century 21.
NINE BY FIVE - that's the size of it. That is Jersey. A mere speck on the face of the Globe. Are we then just too small to figure in the affairs of the wide world?
Well, we may not be the centre of the universe but that should not diminish our significance or role. Our world is a precious whole which each of us affects for better or for worse. There is only one world and in it, each of us is creative or destructive. Each of us adds to or detracts from the value of its life. Each of us can poison or pollute it. Each of us can sweeten or refresh it. Each of us has a significant part to play in it.
You remember John Donne saying that no man is an island entire unto himself. Well, no island is an island entire unto itself either. We belong to our world and to each other and we cannot divorce ourselves from the reality of the responsibilities implied therein.
Moreover, God knows we are important and asks us to join Him in recreating our world, which is His world, which we can all share together. With regret, all of us know that in too many ways it is sadly damaged and neglected.
But let's take heart. Even as a small Island we can contribute usefully to the value of the whole of human life. We have many blessings to share and many more we can find in our world if we look for them.
I commend to you ONE WORLD WEEK which comes in October from 19th to 26th. Look out for ways to share this in Jersey.
Do we need a challenge to enjoy life? Read Deuteronomy 30 where God says to us: I set before you this day, life and death, blessing and cursing. Choose blessing and life!
BILL MATTHEWS
One World Movement
TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD
No Island is an island entire unto itself and jersey has a vital part to play in sharing responsibility for our world.
All of us have a precious part to play in shaping the future and maybe the survival of our planet.
We can rejoice in the riches of our world BUT . . .
issues have to be tackled and tasks embraced before our hopes can become realities.
One World Week addresses these issues:
I. POVERTY
Perhaps our biggest problem but one we can solve given the will. We work together in the International Decade for the Eradication of Poverty.
2. ENVIRONMENT
Our precious planet needs our loving care and we alone can save it.
3. RACISM
Self-interest has shattered human communities but we can rebuild from where we are.
4. OVERSEAS AID
As a rich Island we give less than we could to help others.
5. DEMOCRACY
Effective participation is difficult even for us in Jersey but it is not even an option for too many powerless people.
The One World movement seeks ways of re-educating each other to make a better world a reality for Century 21.
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