Holocaust Memorial Day – Friday 27 January 2023

Ordinary People is the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2023.

How are ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events?

Perpetrators are ordinary people, in positions of power.
Loving God encourage us to make positive choices rather than excuses
or turn a blind eye to injustice and discrimination.

Persecuted people are ordinary people.
They may be seen as belonging to a particular group, as being different.
Loving God enable us to recognise
that every human being has a unique identity
and should be treated in a dignified manner.

Those who assist, support or rescue are ordinary people.
Loving God give us courage and boldness.
Help us to be determined to give what support we can
to those who are in distress.

Ordinary people are bystanders and witnesses.
Loving God make us aware of discrimination and intolerance.
May we never facilitate such action or allow it to continue
by our inaction or thoughtlessness.

We are all ordinary people with choices to make today.
Loving God keep us from apathy, from avoiding responsibility.
May evil, prejudice and ignorance be replaced
by love, tolerance and understanding.

Lord God, creator of the Universe
look upon us your children with mercy and compassion.
Teach us to see the world not as a place of difference and division,
but as a home where all are welcome, valued and honoured
as human beings created in your image and likeness.

Guide us as we seek the ways of peace and reconciliation,
ever mindful that you hear the cry of the poor and the oppressed. Amen

https://www.hmd.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/HMD-2023-Theme-Vision.pdf
(content is adapted from HMD site)