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Bishop Mark pays tribute to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
 

"It is with a huge sense of loss and sadness that I hear the news of the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, for me personally Queen twice over: Queen of the United Kingdom in which I have spent most of my life, and Queen of Canada, the nation in which I was born.

For the vast majority in this nation and around the commonwealth, she has served as Queen for as long as we have known: a consistent faithful point of reference through the changing scenes of our lives.

We stand together in our grief and loss, whatever our politics or situation, she was for us a rock, profoundly strengthened by her own deep faith in Christ, her rock.

Here, though, lies our comfort and our hope as well. Her lifelong trust in Christ now finds its peaceful fulfilment in him, and it is to him that we turn in our own time of need.

We pray with gratitude for her long, wise, and compassionate reign. We pray for our nation and the Commonwealth. We pray for the Royal Family in their loss and grieving. And, in particular, we pray for our King. May he, and we, be upheld and strengthened by the grace of her Lord and ours, Jesus Christ.

For our late Queen: thanksgiving

For our Diocese, the commonwealth, and all peoples: prayers

For the King and our nation: God’s richest blessing: God save the King

Bishop Mark Tanner, Bishop of Chester

Prayers for the Queen and her family 


Earlier, Bishop Mark offered prayers for the Queen and her family, saying: "Particularly we pray at this time for her family, that you would uphold and strengthen them in their grief." 

Parish support

General guidance for parishes


The Archbishops have published general guidance for parish churches on marking the passing of the Sovereign. It contains advice on flying flags at half-mast and opening books of condolence.

Download the parish church guidance here

Tolling church bells


Parish churches, chapels and cathedrals are being encouraged to toll their bells and open for prayer or special services. Guidance from the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers recommends tolling bells for one hour from noon tomorrow.

Prayer and Liturgical resources


Prayer and liturgical resources for churches and for schools have been published on a special page of the Church of England website. This is also where you can sign an online book of condolence. This is open to anyone who wishes to leave a message. 

See Church of England's Prayer and Liturgical resources here

Further information will be cascaded via this E-Bulletin and the diocesan website in due course. 

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The E-Bulletin is compiled from a range of sources. The editors cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information supplied. This E-Bulletin is circulated to office holders in the Diocese of Chester and others who have chosen to subscribe. If you believe you have received this message in error, please contact the Communications Team at the Diocese of Chester immediately by e-mail or telephone on 01928 718834. 

The Diocese of Chester is an operating name for the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance (CDBF), a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no:7826; Registered Charity no:248968.

The contents of this message may contain personal views, which are not the views of the Diocese of 
Chester, unless specifically stated.






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Diocese of Chester · Church House, 5500 Daresbury Park · Daresbury · Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4GE · United Kingdom