The Cross of Nails Story

 

On the night of 14th November, 1940, Coventry and its Cathedral endured a one-off, but relentless, bombing campaign. Overnight, the ‘Moonlight Sonata’ offensive destroyed much of central Coventry, hundreds of its people and left its Cathedral in ruins. Only the outer shell of the walls and the tower remained standing.

 

In the days that followed, two enduring symbols emerged from the rubble: two charred roof-beams which had fallen in the shape of a cross were bound and placed at the site of the ruined altar, and three medieval roof nails were also formed into a cross, which became the original Cross of Nails (now located at the High Altar in the new Cathedral). Shortly after, the words ‘Father Forgive’ – deliberately neutral in content – were inscribed on the wall of the ruined chancel, and Provost Dick Howard made a commitment not to seek revenge, but to strive for forgiveness and reconciliation with those responsible. During the BBC radio broadcast from the Cathedral ruins on Christmas Day 1940 he declared that when the war was over, we should work with those who had been enemies ‘to build a kinder, more Christ-like world.’

 

The Cross of Nails quickly became a potent sign of friendship and hope in the post war years, especially in new relationships with Germany and the developing links between Coventry and the cities of Kiel, Dresden and Berlin. Many were gifted, in thanks and in friendship, to contacts all over the world. By 1974 such informal friendships were numerous, and they were all drawn into a brand new Community of the Cross of Nails, which has continued to grow globally to this day. By this time, the new Cathedral, a landmark in post-war architecture, had been opened in 1962.

 

At Meriden, we are proud to have received the accolade of becoming an International Cross of Nails school for our work around Anti Bullying as we seek to bring peace and reconciliation in our own school community.

 

We have a vision for an inspiring education which is centred upon friends, faith and life-long learning. The ‘friends’ element of this reminds us of the fact that God has made us for relationships with each other and with Him. We work towards positive relationships which are characterised by care and empathy, building a respect for ourselves and each other. We aim to empower our children to be agents of change as they confidently believe in their ability to challenge injustice and work towards reconciliation and forgiveness.

 

Our children are taught to celebrate and respect differences and diversity and to develop a wider appreciation and perspective on the world in which we live. This requires open and honest discussion about difference, and a fundamental respect for people of all backgrounds and abilities. Having an inclusive school, all children grow up to be supportive and caring to others, showing acceptance and tolerance for others, combating discrimination ensures a deep sense of belonging exists.

 

Being an ICON school confirms the school’s commitment to supporting our pupils in their growth of empathy and compassion to all, to celebrate the diversity of local, national and international communities and to promote the message that all are welcome and accepted as God’s children.