Bishop Alan Williams sm has made the following statement
:
“I am greatly saddened to hear the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I pray for the repose of her soul and for all the members of the Royal Family at this time of sorrow.
On 21 April 1947, her 21st birthday, in a speech broadcast on the radio from Cape Town, the then Princess Elizabeth dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth saying, ‘I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong’.
We give thanks for that lifetime of service to our country and for her leadership of the Church of England during her 70 year reign. The celebrations we witnessed earlier this year for her Platinum Jubilee show how much love and respect people had for her.
She will be remembered for her dedication, strength, warmth and her pride in our country. She was a woman of faith and a wonderful example of Christian discipleship.
May this good and faithful servant rest in the peace of the Risen Lord.”
A solemn sung Vespers will be offered for the repose of the soul of the late Queen Elizabeth II in Brentwood Cathedral on Wednesday 14 September at 7pm. All are very welcome to attend and pray for the late Queen, the Royal Family and the nation.
Statement from Cardinal Nichols, president of the Bishops’ Conference: 22.09.08 – Statement of the President – Death of HM The Queen
Prayers to be said for the Queen in parishes: 2022.09.08 – HM The Queen – Prayers