September 8, 2022
We are saddened by the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II of England, Britain’s longest-serving monarch and official head of the Church of England, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland today at age 96.
As Queen she was Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England. Her love of God and commitment to Anglicanism was unfailing, and she embraced her faith as central to her reign. The Queen’s grace and faithfulness was an inspiration to her family, her nation, the British Commonwealth, and the world. We give thanks for all she has given to the global Anglican Communion.
“At the Lambeth Conference of 2008, I was privileged to work with the Queen and her staff in her hosting the bishops from the worldwide Anglican Communion at Buckingham Palace,” said the Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, Bishop Diocesan. “In her welcoming of bishops it was clear that this was not yet another official act of the monarch. Rather the love and graciousness she offered to the bishops from around the world was emblematic of her love of God and of God’s Church.”
“This summer when we were at Lambeth Conference, Queen Elizabeth shared with us by letter the following thoughts: ‘Throughout my life, the message and teachings of Christ have been my guide and in them I find hope. It is my heartfelt prayer that you will continue to be sustained by your faith in times of trial and encouraged by hope at times of despair.’ I hold these words close to my heart as I give thanks for the Queen’s faithfulness as well as her life and ministry. She will be missed,” said the Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens, Bishop Suffragan.
“We give great thanks for the example Queen Elizabeth gave to the world of a life lived faithfully serving God,” said the Rev. Jeffrey Mello, Bishop-Elect. “While her role was inherited, how she lived out that inheritance as a follower of Jesus was a choice she made each day. I will hold on to that as I remember and give thanks for her life and service.”
We ask your prayers of thanksgiving for Queen Elizabeth II, for her mortal life, and new life with God. Pray too for all who mourn her loss: the Royal Family, the people of England, the United Kingdom, and the British Commonwealth, and the whole world. Please also hold Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, in your prayers as he helps to lead the official acts of mourning and remembrance.
O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of thy servant, and grant her an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
