Page 3 - AECA.org.uk ¦ Koinonia 65

Koinonia

THE JOURNAL OF THE ANGLICAN &
EASTERN CHURCHES ASSOCIATION

Editorial

EARLIER THIS year, Pope Francis spoke about the Armenian Genocide, saying:

“Concealing or denying evil is like allowing a wound to keep
bleeding without bandaging it.”

These words were widely reported around the world and received harsh criti-
cism from Turkey. Despite this, they had a powerful e?ect and brought into the
light an issue that has been in the shadows for a hundred years.

In this centenary year of the beginning of the Armenian Genocide,
many events are taking place to highlight an international injustice that con-
tinues to deeply hurt a people who have su?ered so much, and for whom the
wound is still raw.

At the events I have been to, and among the Armenians I have met and
spoken with, there is no sense of hatred or vengeance, only a profound and
sorrowful anger and distress that the international community does not bring
more pressure to bear on Turkey to speak and act more truthfully about what
happened in the years following 1915. The writing of history is itself an act of
selection and interpretation, but some are certainly more accurate and honest
than others.

In an event at Southwark Cathedral earlier this year, I was amazed that
over a thousand Armenians of all ages crowded into the building, to hear re-
?ections and speeches on the anniversary. It was one of those occasions when
you can feel emotion as a force in the atmosphere. One speaker from the
European Parliament gave an excellent address, except for one thing – in men-
tioning the nations that had not recognised the Genocide, he failed to mention
Britain itself. Though the politician’s presence was greatly appreciated, this
omission did not go unnoticed by those present.

Reconciliation and forgiveness can only happen where there is reality
and honesty on both sides. Armenians have been ready and willing to discuss

1