Reverend Canon Michael Halliwell has been awarded the Silver Seal for his contribution to the reconciliation between Great Britain, Jersey and Germany.

The Deputy Bailiff presented the 96 year old the award, which recognises members of the community for their outstanding contributions to Jersey, virtually - due to his declining health.

Reverend Canon Halliwell was in the company of his family. Ambassadors from Germany and the UK also attended the presentation alongside Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham and Deputy Chief Minister Tom Binet.

Rev Canon Halliwell was nominated for the award by Deputy Philip Ozouf for his years of service to the community.

He served as Chaplain to the British Embassy in Bonn (West Germany) before its reunification, and after he returned to Jersey, served as Rector of St Brelade from 1971 - 1996.

It was during this time that he led efforts to bring together both Allied and German veterans to heal the wounds of war, and bring peace.

He has devoted his life to the process of reconciliation and believes we should 'forgive but not forget'.

                     The Silver Seal, to be presented to Reverend Canon Michael Halliwell 

Reverend Canon Halliwell’s son, David Halliwell said on behalf of the family:

“My father spent much of the nearly 70 years of his ministry focussing on reconciliation.

"He did a lot behind the scenes and so to be recognised by the two places he has loved above all others - Jersey and Germany - means an enormous amount to him and to his family.”

His Excellency Ambassador Miguel Berger of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Kingdom also paid tribute:

“Few people have shown such powerful dedication to reconciliation between the people of Jersey and Germany as Reverend Canon Michael Halliwell.

"It was a true honour to take part in today’s ceremony, recognising the Reverend’s lifelong reconciliation work, for which Germany is deeply grateful."