We are a network of individuals, churches, Christian organizations and institutions in the United States and Canada who, inspired by the story of Coventry Cathedral in England, share a common commitment to work and pray for peace, justice and reconciliation. 

We maintain a supportive and collaborative relationship with the Canon for Reconciliation Ministry at Coventry, currently Canon David W. Porter. Over the past few decades, Coventry Cathedral’s work for reconciliation has been in some of the world's most difficult and longstanding areas of conflict. It is committed to develop its ministry as a center for excellence to resource the church in the practical outworking of reconciliation as an integral part of Christian worship, witness and discipleship.

The name Cross of Nails has its history in WWII when German bombs destroyed St. Michael’s Cathedral in Coventry. In the midst of the rubble, a priest took three large roofing nails forged in the Middle Ages and bound them with wire. In the terrible aftermath that followed, Provost Howard wrote " Father Forgive" on the smoke-blackened wall of the sanctuary. The cross of nails is a very powerful and inspirational symbol worldwide of reconciliation and peace. After the Second World War, crosses of nails were presented to Kiel, Dresden and Berlin, cities shattered by Allied bombing. Out of the ashes grew a trust and partnership between Coventry and the German cities.

Today, there are 160 Cross of Nails Centers around the world.