The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI’s), Rt Rev Dr Richard Kerr, took part in Remembrance Sunday commemorations in Killyleagh, as a part of his tour of the Down Presbytery.
News
For many, “every day is Remembrance Day,” Moderator tells Killyleagh service
On Sunday morning (8 November), Dr Kerr led worship including an act of remembrance at Killyleagh Presbyterian Church. He then laid a wreath at the village’s civic Act of Remembrance, before preaching at St John the Evangelist Church of Ireland. The Moderator reflected on the importance of remembering those who have lost their lives through war and conflict, encouraging Christians to be people of peace and grace, whilst reminding them of God’s compassion for all victims of conflict and the hope we find in Jesus Christ.
In his address, focused on the suffering experienced during the First World War as well as the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the Moderator spoke of the importance of recognising and celebrating instances of humanity amid the devastation of conflict. He used the example of the Christmas truce of 1914, when opposing soldiers briefly laid down their weapons. "Of course these incidents were all too brief and rare, but they provide us with a glimpse of something stronger than violence or war; a human face, a reminder, dare I suggest, of something of God," he said.
The Moderator also reflected on the devastating legacy of the Troubles, drawing on the experiences recorded in (PCI’s) Considering Grace and Considering Lament resources. "I have found it deeply sobering to read of the very real pain and trauma of my brothers and sisters in our denomination."
Reflecting on the stories of those who had suffered, he said he had been moved by the honesty of people speaking about their grief, and inspired by those who had rejected retaliation following the death or injury of loved ones. He also paid tribute to the commitment of members of the security forces and healthcare workers who had served in some of the most difficult circumstances.
Acknowledging that the experience of the Troubles differed greatly from person to person, Dr Kerr recognised that for many, the pain of conflict remained deeply personal. Quoting one survivor, he said: "For us, every day is Remembrance Day", as those who have experienced loss continue to live with its consequences. Turning to Psalm 3, Dr Kerr reflected on the grief experienced by King David and the assurance that God remains present even in times of suffering
"One thing we can know is that we don't suffer alone. God understands us," he said. "God's own Son suffered. God understands. He's not asking us to put on a brave face. He knows us. We can be honest with Him. And we can know that He is with us in our pain; because He has promised to be."
Quoting from Mr Laverty's account in Considering Grace, he said: "I want to encourage anyone who is struggling as a result of violence and trauma to consider grace, to consider the hope that Jesus offers, to consider that there is a possibility of living without bitterness and walking on as somebody who is amazingly and wonderfully free".
Concluding his address, Dr Kerr pointed to the hope offered through Jesus Christ, describing Him as the source of grace in the midst of bitterness, suffering and pain. "We have gathered here today to remember those who have given their lives in conflicts near and far, in both time and space, and in doing so to commit those scarred by war and violence into the hands of the One who gives grace and hope, praying that God will give them strength, and grace and hope for each day."
The Moderator concluded by calling God’s people to: “commit themselves to peace, to supporting and comforting those who’ve lost loved ones”, and to “making God’s grace and hope known to a hurting and broken humanity.”