Posted on: 20th September 2022

Maybe we’ve all been surprised at the huge response during 11 days following the death of Queen Elizabeth, and, what a send-off! Perhaps there has been an element of relief. A narrative not dominated by politics, wars and hardship. Clearly her death can’t be called a ‘good news’ story, but, whatever you think of monarchy and institutional Christianity, she was widely recognised as a ‘good news’ person.

In 2016, for her 90th birthday, London Institute for Contemporary Christianity published ‘The Servant Queen and the King she serves’ with some words of her faith recorded [see licc.org.uk ]. Here are 3:

IN 2002

“I know just how much I rely on my faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God!”

IN 2011

“Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves – from our  recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general (important though they are) – but a Saviour, with the power to forgive.”

IN 2013

“For Christians, as for all people of faith, reflection, meditation and prayer help us to renew ourselves in God’s love, as we strive daily to become better people. The Christmas message shows us that this love is for everyone. There is no one beyond its reach.” Maybe we’re feeling anti-climax - back to the grindstone of – commonly – bad and sad news. Where might we draw strength to reflect that faith which the Queen has modelled? How might we be ‘good news’ people.

Archbishop Welby reminded us that it is ‘Who, we follow, not how’ and that He who came to ‘serve’ and ‘give His life a ransom for many’ is that One. ‘Where meek souls will receive Him - still - the dear Christ enters in’.