The mass-participation artwork Peace Doves, is created by artist by Peter Walker and is made up of thousands of handmade paper doves each containing an individual message of peace, love hope or friendship.
Read more about what inspired people to write their message and what peace means to them.
Jerry Li, a member of the congregation
‘I was inspired to add my prayer to the Peace Dove because it’s a beautiful gesture to show commitment to world peace.’
Rev Rachael Farnham, Church of England Chaplain at HMP Frankland Prison
‘As a group, we discussed the impact of the news on the nation as a whole and the ongoing stories of war and violence over the world.
We spoke of the need for a different narrative – one that includes peace.
We saw writing a message of peace on the doves as both personal (prayers for family etc.) and corporate (hope for the world). Different members of the group interpreted this in different ways; some using Biblical verses and others words from their heart.’
9th Hartlepool Beavers, Squirrels and Cubs
‘The Beavers, Squirrels and Cubs were delighted to make Peace Doves – they really loved it!
These are lockdown children who have been isolated in their early years and haven’t had access to the opportunities that they should have. It’s now time for them to become part of the world and to bring their kindness and hope to the community, because they are our future. Peace Doves engaged the children and allowed them to do this.
We’ve encouraged them all to come with their families to see the installation they’ve been part of.’
Louise Moriarty, Leader for the 9th Hartlepool Beavers, Squirrels and Cubs
We asked visitors who made a Peace Dove: What brings you peace?
Peace Doves: Made by you
Visitors from all over the world come to Durham Cathedral, during the months April to July we encouraged visitors to create a dove and be part of the installation. Visitors wrote prayers, messages for a loved one, song lyrics and poems.
Can you spot yours in our Peace Dove gallery?
The Symbol of a Dove in Christianity
For Christians, the dove is a powerful symbol of God’s love and hope.
It was the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove that descended upon Jesus at his baptism; it was a dove which returned to Noah in the ark with an olive branch to show that the flood was over and there was new life. Peter Walker’s installation echoes these themes of love and hope.
The installation, and the personal messages within it invites us to reflect on the peace we can bring to our own families and communities. We hope that you will feel inspired by a sense of God’s peace and take this into your own lives.
