As we remember the Great War and informed by the Christian Faith, we believe that:
- Whilst some wars are necessary and just, war falls short of God’s will for his children and his world.
- Whilst wrong, war brings out both the very best and the very worst in people, so we must both repent of the evil and celebrate the good.
- Those who have died in war are gathered up into God’s eternal purposes, so no human living and dying is in vain.
- As we remember the fallen, so God remembers them for good.
- Because all things will be reconciled in Christ, including ancient enemies, we are under an obligation to work for reconciliation today.
- The peoples of Europe and the world are interdependent on each other and must celebrate and build on the fruits of peace.
- Governments are obligated to defend the freedom and self-determination of their own people and respect and honour those of other nations.
- We have a duty and responsibility to care for the innocent victims of war.
- The church is a place of welcome for all people, and so witnesses to the worth of all who are made in God’s image and for whom Christ died.
- It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.
- Jesus says: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Based on a Credo from Durham Cathedral