The Community of the Cross of Nails
CCN is a worldwide network of some 260 churches, charities, chaplaincies, peace-building and retreat centers, schools and other educational and training organizations, all inspired by the Coventry Cathedral story of destruction, rebuilding and renewal, and active in reconciliation in our own ways.
Our three guiding principles are Healing the wounds of history, Learning to live with difference and celebrate diversity, and Building a culture of justice and peace. We are guided by the words “Father Forgive,” and we pray the Litany of Reconciliation on a regular basis. You can join partners across the world praying the litany once a month together on zoom, on either the first Friday of the month, led by our German partners at midday CET (6am Eastern Time), or the third Tuesday, led by our North American partners at midday Eastern Time. Contact Alice Farnhill if you’d like the link details to join in.
Latest News & Events
Monthly Litany of Reconciliation Gatherings
Join us on the third Tuesday of each month to hear a reflection on recent reconciliation work from our partners in Canada and the United States, and to pray the Litany of Reconciliation. We gather on Zoom and livestream to our Facebook page. If you’d like to join the Zoom meeting contact the Rev. Robert Childers. You are also very welcome to follow the livestream and participate that way if you prefer.
Recent Cross of Nails Presentations
2024 has welcomed new partners into the Community of the Cross of Nails across Canada and the United States. You can read more about these in the latest issues of the Community of the Cross of Nails newsletters found here. Photos and some reflections from new members are below.
Visit to the Mohawk Chapel, Brantford, Ontario, Canada
The Mohawk Chapel, a Royal Chapel located in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, has a special place in the ongoing journey of reconciliation and peace among the First People’s of Canada and settlers, including Anglicans. The beautiful stained glass windows commemorate the history of the Indigenous people, including story of the great Peacemaker who journeyed through various warring nations centuries ago to share a message of Good Mind, Peace, Power and Righteousness. This led to the founding of the Rotinonson:ni Confederacy, which continues to today. During a visit to Dioceses in southern Ontario in April of 2024, Dean John Witcombe of Coventry Cathedral (right) and Rev’d Michael Shapcott, Executive Director of the Sorrento Centre and Canadian lead for the Community of the Cross of Nails (left) were welcomed by Rev’d Ros Elm, Chaplain of the Mohawk Chapel (centre), and Barry Hill, custodian of the Royal Chapel (second from right). Barry is holding a two-row wampum belt, used for ceremonial and official purposes in Indigenous culture. Also pictured, Rev’d Stephanie Donaldson, a Canadian priest who has long been active in the CCN.
One of the key elements of the reconciliation work of CCN partners and friends in Canada is healing the wounds of history caused by colonization and residential schools, as well as celebrating Indigenous culture and spirituality and working towards a culture of justice and peace shared by all.
Cross of Nails Presentation at St. Paul's Cathedral, Ontario, Canada
