Beginnings to the present
St Martin's dedication to peace and reconciliation, and as a shrine of remembrance, originates from its re-hallowing in 1968 after being bombed in an air raid in 1942. By an extraordinary coincidence, 11 November, which is marked nationally as Remembrance Day, is also the feast day of St Martin of Tour, patron saint of soldiers and of this church in Coney Street. More recently, peace and reconciliation at St Martin's has generated not only from world events, but also from the many prayer requests left in the church by visitors from all over the world, as well as from those who may find it a quiet space for regular, private prayer.
Our ethos of peace and reconciliation
The Church regards peace and reconciliation as a ministry in itself, of which healing is very much a part. At St Martin's we believe it is essential to understand that when we endeavour to be reconcilers and peacemakers, we do not support one group over another, nor one person over another. We believe it is our role to respect and listen to both points of view in order to enable peaceful unity to come about. Long processes of dialogue, healing and prayer, based on truth and trust, with loving respect of one another, may be involved. Wide issues such as poverty and discrimination, depend on justice for peaceful reconciliation.
What is happening at St Martin's?
During a vacancy, a small working group is addressing this ministry. To be effective, the group believes we need to seek peace within ourselves and with one another. We also need to be open and aware of the changing face of the society in which we live in York, as well as the national and world scenes.
- St Martin's is a focal point for prayer. There is opportunity for prayer at any time during the day. Weekly prayers are introduced at a Eucharist and thereafter available on prayer sheets, together with extracts from the Coventry Cross of Nails Association Prayer Litany. Individual prayer cards are on sale.
- Prayer requests left by visitors are included in our Eucharists. St Martin's welcomes your prayer requests. There is a Eucharist with Laying on of Hands and Anointing on the first Wednesday of the month at 12.15.
- Days of Prayer, such as the International Day of Peace are held. We join with the World Council of Churches, Churches Together, USPG and others, in observance of prayer dedication days throughout the year. Short remembrance prayers, in commemoration of national or international events, include: Hiroshima Day, New York Trade Centre bombing, Lockerbie air disaster and any current disaster. Remembrance Day, and Women's World Day of Prayer are observed.
- Building on the historical association of St Martin's with St Margaret Clitherow, a Roman Catholic saint, a short biography: "St Margaret Clitherow Symbol of Reconciliation" is in process. An annual Roman Catholic Mass is planned, to be concelebrated by Anglican and Roman Catholic priests.
- Contact has been made with the international ecumenical Focolare Movement.
- An Amnesty Group meets once a month.
- Street Angels, volunteers who are available to befriend young people in distress on the streets during the night at weekends, is a recent initiative.
What of the Future?
Several trends are emerging which may touch our lives and our faith. Effects of globalisation, climate change, new technology, diversity of cultures and faiths, (and non-faith issues), are likely to be some of the aspects of contemporary life we shall need to engage with at St Martin's . We shall need opportunity to discover new ways of building harmonious relationships with other denominations, faiths, and cultures, where conflict and division may exist. St Martin's could become a place of study and resource for these.