Commemorating the centenary of the Battle of Gallipoli, lecture explores the question: Where was God in the First World War?
Wednesday 29 April at 7.00pm
As the sacrifice of soldiers from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, France, Ireland the Commonwealth and Turkey is remembered in a series of international events marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli (24-25 April 1915), a lecture at York Minster will explore one of the most difficult questions facing Christians in any conflict: “Where was God in the First World War”?
The Reverend Dr David Efird, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at the University of York will look at Christian perspectives on war, conflict and persecution from the time of St Paul and the Romans right up to the First World War.
The lecture will examine justifications for past conflicts, including the theory of a “just” war and praying to God for victory. David Efird will also discuss the emergence of pacifism in the First World War as a response to the violence and militarism of the First World War.
Commenting on the forthcoming event, Canon Chris Collingwood, Chancellor of York Minster said:
“Of the 550,000 Allied troops that took part in the Gallipoli Campaign, at least 200,000 were killed, injured, fell sick or were reported missing. These numbers, together with more than 200,000 killed and injured from Ottoman Empire forces, represent a catastrophic outcome.
“The notion of a loving and merciful God can seem distant in the face of such dreadful suffering and loss. David’s lecture will go to the heart of this dilemma and will consider our demands and expectations of God in these events.”
The lecture, ‘Where was God in the First World War’, will take place on Wednesday 29 April at 7.00pm in the Upper Hall of the Old Palace, Dean’s Park, York. The lecture is free of charge. For more information about the lecture and York Minster’s Adult Learning programme go to www.yorkminster.org.
For information about the national commemoration of the centenary of the Battle of Gallipoli go to www.gov.uk/government/news/the-national-commemoration-of-the-centenary-of-the-gallipoli-and-anzac-campaigns
For media enquiries please contact:
Sharon Atkinson – Director of Communications – t: 01904 557248 m: 07785 615457
Leanne Woodhurst – Communications Manager – t: 01904 559545 m: 07557 110718
-Ends-