Sermon by the Reverend Canon Philip Banks

The Director of European Network on Religion and Belief, Mark Ereira-Guyer, recently participated in a sermon delivered by the Reverend Canon Philip Banks at the St Edmundsbury Cathedral. This sermon emphasised the importance of trust in society and relationships, especially in a world where the media and politicians are constantly attempting to polarise people. The sermon highlighted the essential need to resist these divisive tactics and rhetoric that seek to undermine our personal relationships and interactions. Thus, these divisive influences should not disturb the fabric of our connections with others. Reverend Canon Philip Banks further emphasized the importance of loving one’s neighbour and underscored the essential role of trust and goodwill in our lives.

At ENORB, we share these sentiments and are actively addressing the issues of loneliness and disconnection we are seeing across the continent through our ‘32 Steps to Togetherness’ project, working towards a happier and a healthier society. By developing a Togetherness manual, we aim to foster meaningful connections within and between communities, countering social fragmentation, and enhancing relationships in our local neighbourhoods. Therefore, it is of an immense value for us to support other initiatives and events addressing these issues, showing our solidarity and recognising that a more interconnected world can only be achieved through collective effort.

I this regard, the St Edmundsbury Cathedral will organise another lecture given by Dame Barbara Woodward*, the British Permanent Representative (Ambassador) to the United Nations in New York. This lecture will focus on the parallels between the historical significance of the Magna Carta in shaping modern British values and the UN Charter in establishing international rules and values that have promoted peace and stability.

*This lecture was originally meant to take place on October 20th, however due to the situation in Israel and Gaza, Dame Barbara Woodward is needed in New York for UN Security Council work. This means the Edmund lecture will have to be postponed until further notice. Keep an eye out for any updates here.

The St Edmundsbury Cathedral memorial garden, marking the Annual Holocaust Memorial Day Service, held each year on 27th January. The garden also commemorates the massacre of 57 Jewish residents on Psalm Sunday, 19th March 1190.