 |  | Coventry Cathedral, as a centre for reconciliation in the city, was again a focus for contemplation today, 20 March 2003.
 This is for everybody, not just those that are conventionally religious but those who want to come to be quiet, to reflect on what's happening...
 | | Bishop Colin Bennetts
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The cathedral has opened a book for people to record their sentiments and it is providing two areas for quiet thought and contemplation.
On the hour every hour throughout the day, the chaplin is leading prayers in the cathedral, which will include prayers for the situation in Iraq.
The cathedral doors will be open all day and it hopes to welcome people of all faiths.
Bishop Colin Bennetts said: "This is for everybody, not just those that are conventionally religious but those who want to come to be quiet, to reflect on what's happening and, in their own way, offer prayer to those who are caught up in this terrible conflict."
| |  | One of the etched windows in the cathedral
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Talking about his reaction to the start of the conflict in Iraq, the bishop said: "In the hearts of most of us I feel there is a sense of deep sadness and almost despair that we as human beings have got ourselves into this situation and it couldn't be resolved by means other than war.
"This is being reflected in our conversations and prayers in the cathedral this morning."
Today, the cathedral will be re-affirming the statement it made in January, to show that all faiths are united in Coventry.
The new year statement was agreed by representitives from Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Christian communities.
These were Mamood Anwar, the Bishop of Coventry, Gula Chaudahary, John Hall, Ram Krishan, Osman Sheikh, Balbir Singh, Christopher Lamb and Tim Brooke.
Representatives from all faiths were invited and the Bishop of Coventry and members of the Anglican church led the re-affirmation.
They represented their concerns about the possible war in Iraq and made a declaration.
The statement will be re-affirmed on the site of the old Benedictine monastary.
Bishop Colin Bennetts said the act was important. He said: "We are going to stand together to show this is not a religious conflict but a war against a dictator."
Listen to Bishop Colin Bennetts
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Hear Bishop Colin Bennetts being interviewed on BBC WM on 20 March 2003 by clicking the audio link on the left.
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