This book presents and analyses two basic assertions Life in the 21st century is threatened by an unprecedented global crisis, which is the result of the exponential increase in the impact of human activity on the earth. Properly understood, the Christian concept of Creation and of human relationships based on God's Covenant, offer the clearest light on the meaning and nature of, and effective response to, the crisis, and the most realistic Hope for the future. It owes much to James Lovelock, the originator of the concept of Gaia - the earth seen as a single coherent living interlocking system - who challenges those of faith to develop "a theology of creation that could include Gaia. Recognise that human rights and needs are not enough; those with faith could accept the Earth as part of God's creation and be troubled by its desecration." This book is written to accept that challenge.

In 1940, when Hitler's bombers reduced Coventry's ancient cathedral to ruins, he coined a new word. He threatened to "coventrate" all of Britain. Coventry thus was given an iconic status as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil, of forgiveness over revenge, of reconciliation and peace over division and conflict. The ruins are still there today as a warning, but the new and magnificent new cathedral has become the powerhouse of a ministry both to the city and to international conflicts. The book is in three parts. Part 1 is a series of dramatic and moving stories of that outreach, from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Part 2 describes the history of how the cathedral came to be such a unique and active symbol of renewal and peace. Part 3 asks what lessons are to be learned from that story for a world in greater danger and with deeper divisions than ever. Finally, the author, from his long experience of international reconciliation, defines the steps that are essential if the old wounds of history are really to be healed.

This book presents and analyses two basic assertions Life in the 21st century is threatened by an unprecedented global crisis, which is the result of the exponential increase in the impact of human activity on the earth. Properly understood, the Christian concept of Creation and of human relationships based on God's Covenant, offer the clearest light on the meaning and nature of, and effective response to, the crisis, and the most realistic Hope for the future. It owes much to James Lovelock, the originator of the concept of Gaia - the earth seen as a single coherent living interlocking system - who challenges those of faith to develop "a theology of creation that could include Gaia. Recognise that human rights and needs are not enough; those with faith could accept the Earth as part of God's creation and be troubled by its desecration." This book is written to accept that challenge.