The announcement of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a cause of
great sadness for her beloved family, for the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth,
and all people of goodwill.
We give thanks to Almighty God for Her Majesty’s life of unfailing dedication and
the outstanding example of Her Majesty’s service, faithful unto death.
As a devoted disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, Her Majesty witnessed to the Gospel
of God’s love for all people and worked tirelessly to strengthen harmony, to defend
justice and to promote peace. We now pray for the repose of her soul, remembering
the promise of Christ, who is the Resurrection and the life: ‘I am with you always,
even until the end of time.’ (Mt 28:20) May Her Majesty rest in peace and rise in
glory.
We pray for our King, for the Queen Consort and for all the Royal Family at this
time of bereavement. We offer to them our deepest sympathy and condolence.
Let us also pray for our United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, grateful to God
for Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable life and selfless commitment to the promises
she made at her Coronation. Her Majesty has been a part of all our lives and we
shall miss her deeply.
Prayer
We beseech you Almighty God, that your servant Elizabeth,
who by your mercy received the government of this realm,
and who dedicated her life entirely to the service of her people,
may now rest from her labours in the peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding.
Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Archbishop John Wilson
Archbishop of Southwark and Metropolitan