Bishop of Exeter: ‘Remembering is dangerous’ yet ‘absolutely necessary’ in moving Remembrance message

The Bishop of Exeter has urged people to reflect carefully on the meaning of remembrance, warning that “remembering is dangerous” if the balance between heroism and horror in war is lost.

Hundreds of people gathered in Newton Abbot on Sunday to mark Remembrance Day, joining the Bishop of Exeter, veterans and community groups in honouring those who lost their lives in conflict.

The Rt Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison took part in a procession through the town centre alongside members of the armed forces, local cadet groups, scouts, guides, and civic representatives.

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The parade made its way to the town’s war memorial, where a service of remembrance was led by Rev’d Gareth Regan, chaplain to the Newton Abbot branch of the Royal British Legion.

An estimated 1,000 people attended the service, including the High Sheriff of Devon, Mrs Caroline Harlow. Music was provided by the Devonport Royal Naval Volunteer Band and the Salvation Army Band, while Newton Abbot MP Martin Wrigley delivered a Bible reading.

During his address, Bishop Mike reflected on his own family’s connection to the armed forces, speaking of his grandfather who fought on the Somme during the First World War, his uncle who served in North Africa during the Second, and two of his children who are currently in military service.

ABOVE: The Bishop of Exeter, Rt Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, delivers his address during the Remembrance Sunday service in Newton Abbot. (Image: Diocese of Exeter)

He told the crowd: “We meet today to remember, which sounds straightforward, but remembering is difficult and remembering is dangerous. If we tilt too much towards the courage, the generosity of spirit, the heroic examples we stand in danger of almost making armed conflict attractive.

“On the other hand it is dangerous to tilt too much towards remembering the horror, savagery and brutishness… it neglects the largeness of heart, the solidarity in extremity, the sacrifice on behalf of others that also needs to be told. It is dangerous to get the balance wrong.

“And remembering is demanding – that is to say it is demanded of us, it is absolutely necessary and critical that we do remember. And in all this we remember the One who promises light in the darkness, a peace the world cannot give.”

Speaking before the ceremony, Rev’d Regan said he valued how inclusive Newton Abbot’s town service had become.

“One of the joys about having a town Remembrance event is that it is a bit less formal and everybody gets to be involved if they want to. Everyone gathers together, which I think is an important part of Remembrance Sunday,” he said.

“It’s not just about remembering the First or Second World War, it’s about the fact that we still end up in conflicts. We need to remind ourselves yearly that we should be a people of peace and that wars devastate lives. Every generation has been touched by people going off to war and coming back different and we need to remember that.”