Today we say a prayer to mark Srebrenica Memorial Day as we remember the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War, when, in July 1995, in the first ever United Nations declared safe area, thousands of men and boys were systematically murdered and buried in mass graves. The victims, who were Muslim, were selected for death on the basis of their identity.
Only by remembering can we fight holocaust denial and hatred. Together we say: never again.
You can read more about what happened at https://srebrenica.org.uk
O God of truth and justice,
we remember today the consequences of hatred
in lives brutally extinguished in hearts torn apart
in memories scarred with pain.
As we remember and honour the victims of hatred, lead us to sorrow over the sins of humanity.
Draw close, we pray,
to mothers and sisters,
wives and grandmothers
and all relatives and loved ones left behind, and heal the pain in their souls.
And teach us, O Lord,
to learn how to live for a world
where differences are respected and valued, and where fear and mistrust
can never overwhelm us
nor vengeance be stirred in our hearts.
Give peace we pray, to the people of Srebrenica; that their lives may be restored
through your grace.
Amen.
A prayer written after the first Birmingham marking of Srebrenica Memorial Day on 9th July 2014 by Reverend Julian Francis