CCJP 5th Annual 'Peace In War' Event

This year's focus is on reconciliation and forgiveness

The title of this year’s event is “Justice in Peace - Forgiveness… Seeking reconciliation after conflict and genocide” the last in a series of five annual events linked to the centenary of WW1.

This year’s focus is on reconciliation and forgiveness, remembering the human nature of war, its tragedy and the barriers to forgiveness. Can we really learn from the past? Can we forgive?

The main speakers are:

Dr Harry Hagopian, is an international lawyer, political advisor and ecumenical consultant on the Middle East, North Africa and Gulf regions. A leading authority and writer on the Armenian genocide, the mass extinction of 1.5 million people between 1915 and 1917, he will be talking on that horrific part of World War 1 and the psychology as well as challenges of recognition, justice and reconciliation that persist a century later.

Fr Laurence Freeman, a Benedictine monk and Director of the ecumenical World Community for Christian Meditation, our main speaker in 2014, returns to speak on forgiveness and reconciliation. In addition to his work in the contemplative life of Christianity, he has conducted dialogues and global peace initiatives such as the historic Way of Peace with the Dalai Lama.

In 2018, the centenary of the Armistice, we witness genocide and enforced migration on our television screens. Most recently the massacre of the Rohingya people in Myanmar, another example of genocide and denial, reminds us of the need for justice, security, reconciliation, forgiveness and peace for all peoples.

The evening will be chaired by Chiswick resident, Torin Douglas, formerly BBC media correspondent. In addition to the main speakers there will be poetry readings, a harp recital and a short meditation led by Fr Laurence.

There will then be a panel discussion at which there will be an opportunity for audience questions where Dr Hagopian and Fr Laurence will be joined by Revd Martine Oborne. Ruth Cadbury MP is intending to join us and will speak just before the event’s close.

Everyone is welcome to the event which is sponsored by Chiswick churches. Entry is free. There will be a collection for the work of the World Community for Christian Meditation.

For further information please visit CCJP’s website.

September 26, 2018