Remembrance

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Introduction

Remembrance raises a number of issues both theological and practical. Some of these are sensitive and deeply held, and careful negotiation will be helpful. Here are some perspectives followed by practical advice.

Resources

A range of views on Remembrance have theological justification. Examples include Ben Myers, this US perspective from Mere Orthodoxy, and James GC Palmer.

Practicalities

It is virtually invariable to have two minutes of silence at 11am, or as close to it as worship permits, on Remembrance Sunday. That may fall prior to or after 11 November and it is important to check as part of forward planning.

The liturgy in Common Order 1994 has stood the test of time, and other liturgies are available.

Frequently the service is attended by uniformed organisations. Just as frequently the company colours are marched into and from church. Dealing with colours is a potentially complex issue and these are some useful pointers:

  • The congregation stands while colours are processed into and from the church.
  • A colour party is responsible for the colours and a slow march to 4/4 time is the appropriate music (if any).
  • The Queen’s Colour (the Union Flag) is always on the right of the colour party looking in the direction of travel.
  • Colours are located usually on the chancel in the configuration for departure (i.e. the Queen’s Colour sits on the left of the chancel when viewed from the congregation).
  • The Queen’s colour is the last colour taken from and the first returned to the Colour Party.
  • Colours can be taken during the first hymn and returned during the last, or immediately at the start of worship and immediately prior to the Benediction.
  • Colours are lowered for the Benediction.

The National Anthem (I like to use the first and last verses as printed in CH4) is invariably sung when colours are paraded. Traditionally, the National Anthem precedes the Benediction; others deliberately sing the National Anthem after the Benediction and therefore out-with formal worship.

Youth organisations associated with the forces or the forces themselves, may be involved in a service of Remembrance and their guidance should generally be followed.

It is common for those who have experienced, or suffered loss through, armed conflict in the past to be present on Remembrance Sunday and it may be good to be aware of this and to offer a particular welcome.