St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace

St Ethelburga’s is a ‘maker of peace-makers’. Their core aim is to build community resilience for times of ecological and social emergency. Their work is organised around four key principles, which are reflected in the history of the building.

Crisis as opportunity - In 1993, the IRA bomb detonated on Bishopsgate, almost completely destroying the church. Ten years later it opened its doors once again in a new incarnation – as a Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. 

Values into action - The life of St Ethelburga was characterised by courageous action in the face of devastation. Ethelburga was a fearless and selfless leader, putting spiritual values into action in challenging times, bringing faith and action together as one. 

Community across differences - A Bedouin tent was built at St Ethelburga's as a response to 9/11. The tent is welcoming to all, bringing Eastern architecture alongside the Western heritage of the church. It is a space without hierarchy where differing perspectives can be explored. Reflected in the fabric of the building, this theme of diverse narratives and belief systems co-existing fruitfully, side by side.

Protect the sacred - St Ethelburga’s is one of London’s most enduring church buildings. An 800-year-old church site, it has stood for centuries as consecrated ground. Now, surrounded on all sides by development works, skyscrapers, and the economically-driven activity of the City, St Ethelburga’s remains true to its ancient purpose. Continuing to offer a space for connection with the sacred and with the deepest human values, protecting them against erosion.