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
With our prayers and blessing,
Bishop Jonathan, Bishop of Rochester
Bishop Simon, Bishop of Tonbridge
Dean Philip, Dean of Rochester