Norfolk church leaders pay tribute to the Queen
Norfolk church leaders pay tribute to the Queen
Church leaders across Norfolk have started paying their tributes to Queen Elizabeth II and churches across the county are expected to open their doors on Friday for people to offer prayers and ring their bells in tribute at 12 noon for an hour
Reacting on behalf of the Diocese of Norwich, the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham Usher said: “The news of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, brings immense sadness to our nation and particularly to this Diocese of Norwich for which she always had great affection. Our thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty The King and the whole of the Royal Family
“Her Majesty has served our nation and Commonwealth with distinction and devotion. As Supreme Governor of the Church of England she has spoken movingly about her own faith, and it is clear that she reigned out of a deep sense of God’s calling upon her life, a life of anointed service
“Her Majesty’s visits to Norfolk, to her beloved Sandringham, meant that she has been held in special esteem and fondness in the county of Norfolk and Diocese of Norwich. I have very fond memories of being her guest at Sandringham and experiencing her kindness
“Many will want to join in prayers and acts of thanksgiving, and churches will be kept open across the Diocese for people to visit, for prayer, for times of reflection and thanksgiving, and to sign the books of condolence that will be made available
“As we begin to mourn the death of a great Sovereign, so we pray also for the new King and his family, and for our nation and Commonwealth”
The Acting Dean of Norwich, Rev Dr Peter Doll, said: “On this sad day for our nation we at Norwich Cathedral join the rest of the people of this diocese in expressing our affection and gratitude as we mourn the death of our Sovereign
“Her Majesty The Queen has not only served this nation and the whole Commonwealth with distinction throughout her long reign, but she has also been a particular inspiration to people of faith through her personal commitment to God and to the service of her people
“Through seven decades The Queen has lived during a period of enormous change, and together with her family has provided a sense of security, continuity and unity within our nation
“She, together with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, holds a special place in the affections of the people of Norfolk, having spent many Christmases at Sandringham, and graced so many events in the county during her reign
“As we honour the memory of Her Majesty and give thanks for her reign, we extend our condolences to our new Sovereign and to all members of the Royal Family and assure them of our prayers”
Norwich Cathedral and many churches across Norfolk are offering spaces for people of all faiths to pay their respects and reflect on the life and service of Queen Elizabeth II. Norwich Cathedral is open
From Friday, the Cathedral will be open from 7am to 8pm daily. for people of all faiths to pay their respects, to sign books of condolences, to lay flowers, light candles and to attend worship. Preparations are under way for a special memorial service to be held at Norwich Cathedral, with more details to be announced in the coming days. The service will also be live streamed
The Bishop of East Anglia, Rt Rev Alan Hopes, will celebrate a Solemn Mass of Requiem for Queen Elizabeth at 10am tomorrow (Friday September 9) in the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich
Eternity Church Norwich pastor, Paddy Venner, said: "Prayers are with the Royal Family at this time. May they all be strengthened"
Ian Dyble, Priest in Charge, Weybourne Benefice in North Norfolk, said: "Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. We mourn the passing of a truly remarkable lady - Queen, leader and example. Humble, faithful and faith filled. Her faith in Jesus - the resurrection and the life - was at the very core of her being. We thank God for that faith and that because 'she believed' she is with the one whose subject she has always been. Thank you, Your Majesty"
Crossroad Church in Norwich posted: "Our prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen, her family and those caring for her. As Bishop Graham has said: Prayers from all of us in the Diocese of Norwich for HM The Queen, her family & those caring for her at Balmoral. May she be surrounded by the scent of heather in bloom and the sound of the peaty waters of the Highlands, as she is held at this time in God’s strong and gentle hands”
Phil Thorne, pastor of Alive Church in Norwich, posted: "We mourn the passing of an amazing lady - HM Queen Elizabeth 2. An incredible leader and example to us all. She was humble, faithful and faith-filled. Her faith in Jesus, who is the Resurrection and the Life, was her first passion and the motivation of her service. “We thank God for that faith and that because 'she believed' she is with the One whose subject she has always been.”
We are grateful for your life and service, Your Majesty
Ian Savory, from Lighthouse Community Church in Sheringham, said "We give thanks to God for the life of Queen Elizabeth 2 - We celebrate her commitment to Christ and her unwavering service to the Nation and the Commonwealth. God save the King!"
Network Yarmouth team sends their sincere condolences
Pictured above is Her Majesty The Queen. Picture by Joel Rouse/ Ministry of Defence
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