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Year 5 - Religious education

The story of Coventry Cathedral

Forgiveness: Is reconciliation possible?

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils look at the huge question of forgiveness and reconciliation. This study focusses on the Christian tradition and analyses case studies of Coventry and South Africa to illuminate how Christian teaching inspired individuals to begin the difficult task of reconciliation.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe the history and significance of Coventry Cathedral.

Key Notes

  • Coventry Cathedral was bombed during the Second World War.
  • The new Coventry Cathedral is a symbol of hope and the future.
  • The ruins of the old cathedral are preserved as a symbol of forgiveness.
  • Two pieces of charred wood were made into a cross to represent reconciliation.
  • The Reconciliation sculpture is a symbol of the power of forgiveness.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • forgiveness: letting go of hurt and choosing kindness instead of anger
  • reconciliation: fixing a broken friendship or making peace after a disagreement
  • peace: living happily with others, without fighting or hurting each other
  • hope: believing that good things can happen, even when times are hard

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Christians might be angry at the destruction of a cathedral and seek revenge.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

Coventry Cathedral was bombed during the Second World War. The new Coventry Cathedral is a symbol of hope and the future.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'forgiveness'

letting go of hurt and choosing kindness instead of anger.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Christians might be angry at the destruction of a cathedral and seek revenge. Correction: The people of Coventry rebuilt their cathedral as a symbol of hope in a better world based on forgiveness and reconciliation.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 5 Religious education guide library.