Peace and reconciliation

You might have seen our new resource on Peace and Reconciliation, as our focus – both national and international – turns to the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May 2025. It has been developed from resources used for Messy Cathedral, at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on 15 February, Sarah Agnew who created the resouce shares her reflections on why it’s so important for all ages to engage with this theme.

Messy Cathedral 2025 at St Paul’s Cathedral provided an opportunity to explore the theme of Peace and Reconciliation, especially as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8th. Families engaged in hands-on activities and the Cathedral’s role during World War II but also encouraged deeper reflection on the significance of peace in today’s world. The resource was part of the peace dove prayer activity so families could engage on prayers of peace and then take a booklet home to continue the conversation. On the day I enjoyed having conversations with families about the theme and it was amazing to see how engaged children were

This theme is deeply personal to me. Growing up in Northern Ireland, I witnessed the impact of conflict and the vital need for reconciliation which has still impacted me today. My volunteering at the Imperial War Museum has reinforced the importance of sharing stories and listening to different perspectives. It was through these experiences especially talking to children during a school session or a spontaneous conversation on the gallery floor that the inspiration for this resource emerged.

Understanding history and conflict begins with conversation. From my time at the museum, I’ve seen how naturally curious and empathetic children are when learning about war and conflict. These discussions can be challenging, but they are necessary