Western Morning News (Saturday)
Church leaders pay tribute to Queen’s service and faith
THE death of Her Majesty the Queen represents a huge watershed in the life of our nation.
Like the majority of the population, I can’t remember a time when Queen Elizabeth was not on the throne.
She combined a strong sense of public duty with a deep Christian faith.
She had an extraordinary ability to generate goodwill as she celebrated the work of ordinary people and charities the length and breadth of our nation. She encouraged service to others.
She was a very private person who became public property, indeed the world over felt they knew her personally and held her in high esteem.
This nation – and the Church of which she was supreme governor – owe her an immense debt of gratitude.’
So as we give thanks to God for her life and her service to nation and Commonwealth, we pray.
God our Creator and Redeemer, by your power Christ conquered death and returned to you in glory, confident of his victory in claiming his promises. We entrust your servant Elizabeth into your keeping. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who though he died is now alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. ■ Reverend Prebendary James Grier, Bishop of Plymouth designate
I AM deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen. This is such a sad and historic moment for our nation and the world.
Yet it is also a time of profound gratitude.
For the majority of us, she has been our only monarch.
Prior to her coronation, she asked for prayer for the wisdom and strength to faithfully serve God and the people of her monarchy all the days of her life.
This is a prayer that was well and
truly answered, since the mark of her reign and life have been faith and service.
In all the changing seasons and the uncertainties of the decades, she has been a constant rock, pointing us to God, the Rock of Ages, who is with us in our grief today.
Right Reverend Jackie Searle, Bishop of Crediton
THIS is a time of the deepest sadness and sorrow as we collectively mourn the death of the Queen.
She has been a faithful and inspiring Monarch, living her life by her Christian values, and exercising her authority from a place of deep faith and joyful service.
She has been a most wise leader and figurehead, widely held in deep affection, not just here but all around the world.
In the midst of our grief we offer our thanksgiving to God for her long reign and exemplary life.