A message from Bishop Jonathan, Bishop Simon and Dean Philip

 

It is with great sadness that we have learned today of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

Our most sincere condolences, on behalf of the Diocese of Rochester, have been expressed to the Royal Family.

The Queen’s long reign has offered stability and reassurance to the United Kingdom and beyond, and Her Majesty’s commitment and service both to the nation and the Commonwealth have been a source of constant encouragement.

 

Her Majesty’s death will be deeply felt by many.

 

May we invite you to join us in remembering Her Majesty in prayer, perhaps using these words:

 

Blessed Jesus,

Lord of Lords and King of Kings,

we give you thanks

for our late sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II.

for the grace and mercy

she received from you,

for all that she reflected

of your gracious sovereignty,

and for the great love she held

for you and for her people.

Enfold her in your everlasting arms

grant her rest

and raise her up at the last

in the company of the saints in light. Amen

 

We remember, too, the Royal Family in their bereavement:

 

O God, our sovereign and shepherd,

who brought again your Son, Jesus Christ,

from the valley of death,

comfort, we pray,

all the Royal Family

with your protecting presence.

Fill them with your Holy Spirit;

and with your heavenly peace;

and bring them at the last

to your everlasting kingdom;

through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen