Dear Circle of Hope,

As the final mournful tone of The Last Post sounded from the bell of my old ceremonial bugle, the entire gathered community paused to remember for one minute of silence. Yet whilst the people gathered did their best to remain respectfully silent (of course there is always fidgeting and shuffling in crowded communal moments like this) the creation around us had other ideas. Joining in with the purple and red tones washed across the dawn sky as the sun rose, was the distinct loud chorus of native birdsong as the other creatures gathered marked the occasion in their own sacred way. On reflection, this was one of those special moments of peace from last Thursday morning, as the community of Byron Bay gathered to commemorate another ANZAC Day. We gathered to remember.

In a seemingly last strain of a past era, these community gatherings are one of the few moments where I am invited into our public spaces to pray. I also enjoy the great privilege of playing the bugle calls thanks to my brass playing background. Having been part of this community for over 8 years now, I am becoming known as one of our town’s faith leaders and have personal connections with many of those gathered, through my involvement in the wider community over this time. But how does one lead a community in prayer that no longer ascribes to institutional religion? Just a brief glimpse at the census statistics makes this as clear as the light that filled the morning, as I stepped up to the lectern, having been invited to lead a prayer. So I began with acknowledging this reality. I recognised that no matter what faith background, expression of spirituality or belief we hold, we have gathered in unity as a community to remember. I then invited everyone present to place a hand on their heart in solidarity with one another, holding peace in our hearts together as I led us in a remembrance prayer. As I peered out past the microphone I saw a wave of hands move towards hearts and sensed the appreciation and connection that this created. 

So who do we pray to and what do we pray for? Well…it is a Christian prayer, so that gives some parameters, as does the occasion for gathering in this way. My focus on this day was to remember, praying to the God of Remembrance. After covering the reasons for our gathering, the sacrifice of the original ANZACs and the brave women and men who have served their country, I moved to a focus on peace. In doing this I acknowledged that around the world while we gathered in our coastal town in peace and freedom, there are numerous conflicts occurring, meaning that men, women and children in places like Gaza and the Ukraine (who loom large in our field) cannot even imagine this concept. Where is the peace in remembrance? We gather to remember each and every year, yet our world, globally and locally is still filled with war, conflict, tension and a distinct lack of peace. We cannot ignore this. But maybe we can find peace through remembrance. Recognising those who have gone before us in so many ways that have made the world a better place.  Remembering that each and every one of us has the opportunity to bring peace to our own sphere of life. Being inspired by the example of others and choosing to act for peace in this world. Sharing in remembrance as a community and finding unity in this ritual act. One moment where I found peace in remembrance last Thursday morning that I can highlight, was that stunning moment of sacred birdsong. We don’t need total silence to find peace and so may we all look for peace in each and every moment.

Thank you for being part of our Circle of Hope,

Grace and peace,

Phil