• Statement on the fire at Notre Dame

    The fire at Notre Dame Cathedral is a tragedy not only for Paris and the people of France but for the world.

    Those who know the building will be unable to see the pictures of the fire without feeling heartbroken.

    So many different things that make up the building are priceless – the medieval roof, the woodwork, the organ, the stained glass, the relics. But this tragedy is more than the loss of them all. It is the loss of the heart of Paris, the loss of a place of pilgrimage and the loss of a place of romance.

    Every day this week, Christians will be reflecting on the heartbreak of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to whom Notre Dame was dedicated. Every day as we do so, we will be praying for the Paris its people as they face their own heartbreak.

    Notre Dame means Our Lady. Notre Dame doesn’t just belong to Paris, it belongs to us all.

    This was a building that is utterly associated with Paris. But it was an utterly priceless treasure for the world.

    It was truly ours, and this tragedy is our tragedy.

    Our Lady of Paris, pray for us and for all affected locally.

    Our Lady of Paris, we pray for you.

2 responses to “ACC-19 – The Anglican Consultative Council in Belfast”

  1. Tim Chesterton Avatar

    Thank you for this encouraging account!

  2. Philip Groves Avatar
    Philip Groves

    Kelvin – I recognise everything your write.
    I have not commented on the nonsense of the Nairobi-Cairo Proposals becsue I knew they were written from a deep ignorance of the reality of the Anglican Communion and would be rejected.
    I wish I could have been with you it is so inspiring.
    As ever you write with such beauty about a beautiful mystery. The Anglican Communion is so flawed and imperfect, it has no great internal logic, but it is saved by our God who loves friendship (bonds of affection/konoina/loving your neighbour who can be a ‘Samaritan).

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