Called to be peacemakers
The Afghanistan Memorial at St. James United helps visitors grieve the dead and pray for peace
By Arlen Bonnar
United Church Observer, November 2008
Montreal — On a Sunday morning in mid-August, I ask the congregation to stand and remember the 89th and 90th Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan. I read their names and then add them to the other 88 names that have already been placed on our Afghanistan Memorial.
Mounted in the sanctuary at St. James United, the Afghanistan Memorial is a large panel that displays the name and date of death of each soldier killed in the conflict. In front of the memorial, a small table holds a Canadian flag, a candle and an origami peace crane. We mounted the memorial at the beginning of Canada’s involvement in this conflict. A permanent plaque will be installed and dedicated when the war ceases.
As we stand in silent prayer, the gentle air currents in this old building cause the memorial candle to flicker. Its light dances off the paper crane. Symbols of peace and reminders of war — they are a part of the fabric of St. James United.
A couple of Sundays later, two young women attend our service. During coffee hour, I discover that they are both in basic training at the military college in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que. I inquire as to whether or not they will be sent to Afghanistan. The young woman from Cole Harbour, N.S., says it is not likely for her, but possible. The other young woman says, “Oh yes, I am a weapons person. I will be there on the front line.” Then, the woman from Cole Harbour adds, “I want to really thank you for what you are doing. My brother’s name is on the memorial; he was killed in March 2008. My parents will be so pleased.” I am so overwhelmed I can barely speak. In my mind, I hear myself pray, “Please, dear God, watch over them.”
St. James United has a long tradition of remembering the sacrifices of soldiers and praying for peace. During the First and Second World Wars, St. James was a gathering place for soldiers. In those days, the congregation provided shelter, food, recreation and spiritual guidance to countless soldiers on their way to war. The west wall of our sanctuary has an impressive stained glass window commemorating the First World War.
Since then, St. James has not lost sight of the horrors of war and our responsibility to seek peace. We have, for the past 20 years, offered peace candles to visitors who worship with us on Sunday morning. We encourage them to take the candles to their homes or places of worship and to remember that we are called to be peacemakers. Four years ago, the children in our Sunday school began making origami peace cranes to offer our visitors along with the candles. Yet, the reality of war continues to be a part of our world.
Sometimes, visitors misunderstand our Afghanistan Memorial, thinking that we are glorifying war. Nothing could be further from the truth. In our remembering, we acknowledge the sacrifice of these young lives, but we also remember the carnage of war. We pray for those grieving the loss of someone dear. We pray for Afghanistan and its people. We pray for peace.
St. James is still a gathering place for many soldiers. It is not unusual to see young men and women assembled around the memorial. They speak in hushed tones as they read aloud the names of their comrades. Many of these “battle-ready” soldiers have tears streaming down their faces as they remember and wonder if, one day, someone will be reading their names as well..
As I prepare to write this article, I receive news that three more Canadian soldiers have died. The next Sunday morning, we stand in silence again to remember 91, 92 and 93.
Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and may light perpetual shine upon them. May they, and all your people, dwell in peace. Amen.
Rev. Arlen Bonnar is minister at St. James United in Montreal.