On 27th January each year, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, we remember the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day in 2018 is “the power of words”. The words of those who suffered from these terrible events have the power to show us truths we may prefer not to face, to unite us in empathy, and to strengthen our courage in opposing discrimination and oppression in our own time.

While words can be beautiful, with the power to inspire the best in each of us, they can also be destructive. The power of words to divide us, to incite anger and hatred, to ridicule, to victimise, to dehumanise -  can be seen all around us right now. We cannot stand by in silence and allow the seeds of hatred and division to grow.

On this day, we pray for all those affected by genocide, for those who suffer persecution and discrimination, and for a world where we can live in peace with each other, sharing God's love despite our differences. Today and every day, may God give us the courage to speak out for our brothers and sisters, and to use our words wisely to support and encourage each other.

Visit the Holocaust Memorial Day website