Each year, on Remembrance Sunday, we gather to pause, to remember and to give thanks. We remember those who gave their lives in the service of others, those who returned home carrying wounds both visible and unseen, and the families whose lives were changed forever by war.

The familiar words, ‘We will remember them,’ carry both gratitude and responsibility. For remembrance is not simply about looking back at history; it is also about looking at the world around us today.  As we stand in silence, we remember that conflict continues to bring suffering, fear and loss to communities across the world. We pray for those living amidst violence, for those working to bring peace, and for the courage to be peacemakers ourselves.

Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ (Matthew 5:9) Perhaps the greatest honour we can give to those who sacrificed so much is to live with kindness, seek reconciliation and refuse to take peace for granted.

This Remembrance Sunday, may our remembering lead us not only to gratitude, but also to hope, compassion and a renewed commitment to peace.

Remembering, and Living for Peace for them, us and the future.   

We will remember them.