In the fourth of our series of monthly worship videos, we will reflect on the theme of Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2021, which falls on 27th January. Download the order of service here.
On Holocaust Memorial Day we remember those Jewish people, and millions of members of other groups killed under Nazi persecution, and in the more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
But it’s more than that – it’s about recognising the early signs that lead to people being marginalised, dehumanised and demonized, to the point that killing them becomes somehow acceptable.
Why does this matter to our LGBTQIA+ Christian community?
It’s about solidarity with others who also experience oppression and hate crime, but it’s also about raising awareness of the prejudice against LGBTQIA+ people which is still widespread around the world, still costing lives, which will continue to grow unless we challenge it. It’s also about recognising that religion, in its darkest moments, can play a part in persecuting people, instead of bringing enlightenment.
On Holocaust Memorial Day, we all have a role to play to ensure that we learn the lessons of the past, to create a safer, better future together.
We will continue to do our bit for as long as we can, secure in the knowledge that others will continue to light a candle long after us.
- Gena Turgel MBE, survivor of the Holocaust
The service will be published as a YouTube Premiere on Sunday 24th January 2021 at 6.30pm GMT. The video will include British Sign Language interpretation and captions to make it more accessible, thanks to Tom Pearson, and beautiful choral music from The Choir Of Royal Holloway.
NEXT MONTH: Our online service will celebrate LGBT History Month, on Sunday 28th February at 6.30pm.