I expect that like me, you heard the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II with great sadness, for she has provided continuity and stability for our nation for 70 Years and many of us cannot remember a time when she was not our Sovereign.
Over the last few days, it has been remarkable to hear the many tributes that have been given for her and to have the opportunity to pay our own respects.
The warm tributes have come from the great and the good – world leaders who have worked with her over the years, but also from ordinary people who met the Queen and were touched by her simple kindness.
One of the things that has struck me is that her remarkable life of service was underpinned by her deep Christian faith.
It is clear that she saw her role as sovereign as a calling from God. She has consistently spoken of her Christian faith and how the teachings and example of Jesus have strengthened and inspired her in her personal life and public duties.
I am sure that in her funeral service next Monday, there will be clear assurances of the Christian hope of a life beyond death.
Perhaps, like me, you joined the crowds outside Wokingham Town Hall on Sunday afternoon to witness the Accession Proclamation, for it has been good to see the quietly dignified way in which our new King Charles III has assumed his new responsibilities as our Sovereign and pledged himself to carry on his mother’s work.
So, at this time of huge significance for our nation, we mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and we give thanks for her life of dedicated service.
We look backwards in gratitude, but we look forward in hope to a new era as the reign of King Charles III begins.
The Revd Catherine Bowstead, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
