Column: The Rev Canon Hilary Barber: Solidarity and kindness between neighbours and communities
November is one of those months when we all notice the seasons changing. The leaves have gone brown and the wind picks up, and the temperature begins to drop!
It’s also a month of remembering the past: All Saints Day, All Souls Day, Remembrance Sunday, and Armistice Day. All of which are about remembering people who have gone the journey of life before us, especially those whom we love but see no longer, and those who remain our heroes and who have influenced us in some small way.
This year on Remembrance Sunday we hosted Verena Jantzen, the new Lutheran bishop of Aachen to preach at the Civic Service. Aachen has been twinned with Halifax since the end of the Second World War. Civic Leaders have made visits and exchanged ideas. Faith Communities have made visits and befriended one another.
The Military Garrison in Aachen has been hosted by the Yorkshire Regiment, and connected up with the Duke’s Regiment. Schools have enjoyed exchange programmes, particularly Crossley Heath Grammar School and the Victoria School in Aachen.
Verena preached a powerful sermon to a packed Minster on Remembrance Sunday. There is no Remembrance Sunday in Germany – it simply doesn’t exist, and whilst they do have Memorial Day, it is a quiet day spent at home, without any public coming together as here in the UK. Germany still carries deep sorrow and guilt for what happened in the World Wars, and this continues to be passed down through the generations.
The Halifax Aachen link has been part of the process of reconciliation and healing for both towns.
After 70 years of relative security, we find Europe again at War, with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the fall out between America and Iran, affecting our economy and security around British air bases, and communities across the UK affected by what is happening in the Middle East. The Prime Minster has now given us permission to talk about our future relationship with Europe, as we look for economic growth and security in a dangerous world.
It was so good to see all the different faith communities represented in the Minster at the Civic Service, showing the world how here in Calderdale we can express solidarity and kindness between neighbours and communities for the common good of all.
This sense of common good also needs to reach out to the most vulnerable in our borough. I was delighted to be invited to the launch of the Happy Days Appeal. Happy Days is a charity providing significant support to many vulnerable people living on our streets. Many of these people suffer from addiction, drugs and alcohol, poor mental health, and much trauma after years of suffering.
Happy Days looks to provide a loving and caring environment to those who are truly lost souls, left sleeping rough on our streets and without hope. The Building Bridges Appeal looks to provide accommodation and serious resettlement for those who need it. This project demonstrates what kind of community we are in Calderdale, let get behind it!