A ‘reassurance’ in uncertain times

Queen Elizabeth provided ‘encouragement and reassurance’ in our uncertain times. That is the message from the President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference.

Issued after news broke of the Queen’s death at age 96, their statement said, ‘For people of all ages the Queen has provided constancy, a calm and wise influence at all levels of society’.

‘Our prayers are for her family’

President Revd Graham Thompson and Vice-President Anthony Boateng gave thanks for Elizabeth’s duty as monarch that was ‘grounded in a deep faith in Jesus Christ’

They added, ‘Our prayers are for her family who have lost a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt’. The Church issued a prayer on the Queen’s death, which said:

Creator God,

We give thanks for the life of Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

We honour her life of service built on a firm foundation of faith and an exemplary commitment to duty.

Comfort those who mourn and bring peace to those in distress.

We offer our prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Amen.

The statement and prayer can be read in full on the Methodist Church website.

The Methodist Church published a prayer liturgy

The Church also published a prayer liturgy for use in a service. This, too, can be downloaded from the Methodist Church website.

Church leaders across the globe have called people to pray for the royal family and for Charles, as he takes on the role of King.

President of the Methodist Church in Ireland Revd David Nixon commented on how the late Queen had dedicated herself to the service of her country as a global ambassador.

Methodist churches are among public places around these islands that are hosting books of condolence and spaces for reflection. (Photo: Original by Joel Rouse/Ministry of Defence)