On the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Today we woke to the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to images of English people gathering outside Buckingham Palace and to heart-felt tributes: from leaders across the globe, and from everyday people on local radio.

Anglican Schools across Australia welcome students from all faiths and backgrounds, we pause today to give thanks for the life of a leader of great distinction, whose love for humanity shone through her long reign, the longest of any British monarch.

Our hearts go out to The Late Queen’s family, to her son Charles as he mourns his mother at the same time as taking up his role as the next King and to the people of Britain, who feel her loss so deeply.  In her role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, we give thanks for her commitment to living a life of faith, hope and love.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, has written today “In The Late Queen’s life, we saw what it means to receive the gift of life we have been given by God and through patient, humble, selfless service, share it as a gift to others.”

We pray that Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will rest in peace, and rise in glory.