Archbishop of York pays tribute to Her Majesty the Queen
Stephen Cottrell has released a statement
Last updated 8th Sep 2022
The Archbishop of York has released a statement following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It has been confirmed she died, peacefully, this afternoon at Balmoral.
In a statement Stephen Cottrell said "I join with many throughout our Country and beyond as we mourn the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Throughout her long reign, and in all the confusions and challenges of a changing world, Her Majesty has been a constant, faithful presence."
He continues "In 2014, Her Majesty remarked "Christ's example has taught me to seek, to respect and value all people of whatever faith or none". The Queen's gift to engage with everyone whom she met and the ability to make them feel at ease was a remarkable skill and one which showed a deep connection to the people she served and a desire to live out Jesus' teaching.
On the occasions I had the pleasure of meeting Her Majesty, I can testify to the warmth and joy she bought to every occasion. But most of all, it was the resolute reality of her faith that struck me powerfully.
In Her Majesty's first Christmas broadcast ahead of her Coronation she asked the nation, whatever their religion, to pray that God would give her wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promise she would be making and to faithfully serve God and us all the days of her life.
That is most definitely a prayer that has been answered. Her service to our nation and Commonwealth has been exemplified by her devotion to her duty, which has always been offered with joy. Underpinning this has been her deep, faith in God and in her we have witnessed God's faithfulness at work.