German President visits Coventry Cathedral

The Coventry Cathedral welcomed the Duke of Kent and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, alongside his wife, Elke Büdenbender.

The memorial commemorated the 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz, codenamed Operation Moonlight Sonata. An air raid that took the lives of over 500 people in November 1940.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Coventry Cathedral (photography: Paris Senesie)

Reverend Canon Nitano Muller from Coventry Cathedral shared the importance of Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s visit to the Cathedral. “Coventry’s story is indeed the story of the nation.”

Adding, “What happened here in November 1940 is such an important part of a narrative not only about destruction but also how we’ve moved to friendship and peace.”

The president visited Coventry as part of his three-day state visit hosted by the King and Queen. A wreath was laid at the old cathedral before a tour of the new one.

Laying of wreaths (photography: Paris Senesie)

Coventry is twinned with the German cities of Kiel and Dresden in acknowledgement of their shared experience with the bombings.

Dr. Ulf Kämpfer, Lord Mayor of Kiel shared: “I’m really deeply honoured to be allowed to attend the ceremony today.” He affirmed the Cathedral’s message of peace and reconciliation in the world stating, “It couldn’t be a better time for that.”

The last German state visit occurred in 1998, when Queen Elizabeth II hosted President Roman Herzog at Windsor Castle. Mr. Steinmeier’s visit is the first by a German leader in 27 years.

A prayer service was held to echo the church’s commitment to peace and reconciliation.

Prayer service at Coventry Cathedral (photography: Paris Senesie)