Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

The President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference have made the following statement in response to the announcement of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

“It was with profound sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty the Queen today. We join the nation in grief and thank God for her long and distinguished reign. The loyalty to, and love expressed, for Queen Elizabeth across the world is a testament to the life that she led, one marked by dedicated service to others. She provided encouragement and reassurance to a world living through uncertain times.

“For people of all ages the Queen has provided constancy, a calm and wise influence at all levels of society. Our nation, the Commonwealth and the world have been greatly blessed by her life and work.

“We give thanks to God that her duty as monarch was grounded in a deep faith in Jesus Christ, which has been an inspiration to countless people throughout her reign. Her dedication, commitment and service to her people will never be forgotten and will sustain all those who mourn in the coming weeks. Our prayers are for her family who have lost a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt and we pray that all may be inspired by her service and guided by her example.

“The prayers of the Methodist people are also offered for His Majesty the King in his new role.”
 

The Revd Graham Thompson and Anthony Boateng, President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference

 

A prayer on the death of Her Majesty the Queen

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.

 

Guidance for churches

Download an order of service for a prayer vigil on the death of The Sovereign

• A prayer vigil on the death of The Sovereign

Screen the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and other live ceremonial events that include His Majesty King Charles III

The BBC have released guidance explaining how these events can be live streamed, even if you do not have a TV licence.  

Download posters to let people know the Methodist Church is there for them

• Condolences and prayer A4 poster
• Condolences and prayer A3 poster
• Prayer poster A4

Hymn suggestions on the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

Singing the Faith Plus has guidance on selected hymns that might be appropriate during this time.​

Talking to children and young people about grief and death

Gail Adcock, Family Ministries Development Officer has written guidance and linked to other resources relating to speaking to children and young people about grief and death.

National Mourning period: guidance for faith and belief groups and places of worship

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is issuing the following guidance for faith and belief groups and those who manage places of worship, who may wish to play an active role during this period.

Reflections and prayers

• A reflection and prayer from the President of the Conference, the Revd Graham Thompson
• A prayer from the Vice-President of the Conference, Anthony Boateng
• A reflection and prayer from Scotland
  
• A reflection prayer from Wales
• A reflection and prayer from the Youth President

 

Image copyright: PRESS ASSOCIATION / Danny Lawson.