Holocaust Memorial Day is painfully important – Archbishop
In a world where there is still so much persecution and intolerance, Holocaust Memorial Day remains as important as ever, says the Archbishop of Wales.
In a statement to mark the day on January 27, Archbishop Andrew John acknowledges the pain it brings as a reminder of the atrocities that have been committed. He uses this year’s theme of ‘One Day’ to describe what the event means.
His full statement follows.
A virtual ceremony of 2022 Holocaust Memorial Day Wales commemoration will be broadcast on January 27 at 11am from Cardiff City Hall. The multifaith commemoration will be hosted by First Minister Mark Drakeford, Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council and led by The Revd Canon Stewart Lisk. You can join in at www.youtube.com/cardiffcouncil.
The UK Ceremony for Holocaust Memorial Day 2022 will be streamed online on Thursday 27 January at 7pm. Register here:
At 8pm, households across the UK are invited to “Light The Darkness” by lighting candles and putting them safely in their windows to remember those who were murdered for who they were and to stand against prejudice and hatred today.
Archbishop's Holocaust Memorial Day statement
Holocaust Memorial Day once again haunts the bleak beginning of our year. It doesn’t go away, despite the growing number of years now piling up since the Nazi atrocities took place. Rather the shadow it casts grows longer, reaching out further into the recesses of our consciences.
Painful as it is, each year it becomes more important to mark this ‘one day’ – to stand publicly alongside those who suffered as a consequence of the Holocaust and genocides since and all the many victims of persecution, prejudice, intolerance and terrorism who still suffer today.
It is our ‘one day’ to reflect on the insidiousness of hatred and the cruelty humanity is capable of, to repent of it and to watch out for it. It is also our ‘one day’ to remember acts of self-sacrifice and heroism which so often emerge from great suffering. It is our ‘one day’ to pledge ourselves to a better world where there is no room for discrimination, exclusion and hatred.
As Christians and people of faith, we believe God stands with us in our suffering and loves each of us as we are, as He made us. That gives us hope and courage as we once again mark this ‘one day’ and face the rest of our days.
Holocaust Memorial Day is neither an easy nor a comfortable day but until the world is one where all people are free from hate it remains as essential and as important as ever.