This weekend we are giving thanks with our country for victory in Europe against the Axis powers in World War II.
Surely rightly, we saw the Nazi ideology of racism as evil. It is good today as we give thanks to recall the humanity and the dignity of those whom the Nazis sought to destroy, witnessed to by this prayer from Ravensbrück Concentration Camp, which was written on a scrap of wrapping paper by an unknown woman prisoner, and left by the body of a dead child.
O Lord, remember not only the men and women of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not remember all the suffering they have inflicted on us, remember the fruits we have bought, because of this suffering - our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart that has grown out of all of this, and when they come to judgement, let all the fruits we have borne be their forgiveness.
The Very Revd Peter Bradley
The Dean of Sheffield