Holocaust Memorial Day 2017 Since 2001, the Government has invited British society to observe 27 January each year as Holocaust Memorial Day. 27 January is the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by Soviet troops. Holocaust Memorial Day is intended to provide an opportunity for reflection on issues raised by all atrocities, especially those events officially designated as genocides. The mass murder of millions of people of different ethnic, cultural, religious and political groups in more than one genocide provided the darkest side of twentieth century human history. While the remit of the day is wide-reaching, its focus remains the Holocaust. Although many others perished as a result of Nazi actions, Holocaust Memorial Day provides an opportunity to especially reflect on the fate of European Jewry, for whom Hitler and others held a particular hatred. Christians have also been the perpetrators of genocide, as well as among the bystanders, and indeed the victims. Holocaust Memorial Day can give us cause to remember the reality that evil is still powerful in our world. It can strengthen our resolve to protect every community from discrimination, intimidation and violence. SUGGESTED LITURGICAL MATERIAL Opening prayers God our creator, in the beginning: Your light shined in the darkness. God our companion, we acknowledge your presence in this your house. We listen for your word. God our redeemer, our lives are open to you. Your love brings us life. God of Heaven and Earth and all of humanity, we are ready.
Holocaust Memorial Day 2017 Since 2001, the Government has invited British society to observe 27 January each year as Holocaust Memorial Day. 27 January is the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by Soviet troops. Holocaust Memorial Day is intended to provide an opportunity for reflection on issues raised by all atrocities, especially those events officially designated as genocides. The mass murder of millions of people of different ethnic, cultural, religious and political groups in more than one genocide provided the darkest side of twentieth century human history. While the remit of the day is wide-reaching, its focus remains the Holocaust. Although many others perished as a result of Nazi actions, Holocaust Memorial Day provides an opportunity to especially reflect on the fate of European Jewry, for whom Hitler and others held a particular hatred. Christians have also been the perpetrators of genocide, as well as among the bystanders, and indeed the victims. Holocaust Memorial Day can give us cause to remember the reality that evil is still powerful in our world. It can strengthen our resolve to protect every community from discrimination, intimidation and violence. SUGGESTED LITURGICAL MATERIAL Opening prayers God our creator, in the beginning: Your light shined in the darkness. God our companion, we acknowledge your presence in this your house. We listen for your word. God our redeemer, our lives are open to you. Your love brings us life. God of Heaven and Earth and all of humanity, we are ready.
CCJ-CTBI-resources-for-Christian-Liturgy-and-Preaching.Word_.docx