Peaceable living

Building peace in our divided worlds - a one-day programme to be held at St Mary’s Church East Chinnock, BA22 9DP

In our increasingly divided and polarised worlds, whether globally, nationally or closer to home, how do we learn what it takes to live peaceably, with curiosity and understanding of those we label the ‘other’?

The unique stained glass windows of St Mary’s, East Chinnock have long symbolised peace and reconciliation. Created and donated by a WW2 German prisoner of war as tokens of peace and gratitude for care by the village, they remain inspiring symbols of reconciliation for our divided worlds today.

Drawing on this remarkable legacy, St Mary’s second peace programme is thrilled to welcome speakers Jo Berry CBE and Simon Keyes.

Jo Berry CBE - international peace builder, founder of Building Bridges for Peace, and Somerset resident, Jo says “On October 12th 1984 my father, Sir Anthony Berry and 4 others  were killed in the bombing of the Grand Hotel, Brighton..… I made a personal decision just two days later, to bring something positive out of this emotionally shattering trauma and to try and understand those who had killed him. I chose to give up blame and revenge, instead taking responsibility for my pain and feelings, transforming them into passion for peace”.Jo was the subject of the 2001 BBC documentary “Facing the Enemy.”

Simon Keyes was previously Professor of Reconciliation and Peacebuilding at the University of Winchester and is the Bath and Wells Diocesan Adviser on Peacebuilding.

The programme includes practical interactive sessions exploring how to listen skilfully and engage constructively in the face of “difference”, in order to live more peaceably in our day-to-day contexts.

Up to 31 January 2026, ‘Early bird’ tickets are on sale for £20, including tea, coffee, and buffet lunch. Tickets from 1 February 2026 are £25.

For tickets and more details contact Alex Swarbrick