Church leaders congratulate Queen on 70th anniversary of accession to throne

 HATTIE WILLIAMS, The Church Times 07 FEBRUARY 2022

THE Archbishop of Canterbury joined other religious leaders in congratulating the Queen on the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne, on Sunday. He also expressed support for the Queen’s stated wish that the Duchess of Cornwall would take on the role of Queen Consort when Prince Charles becomes King.

Archbishop Welby was among 20 leaders — including the Bishop of London, the Archbishop of Wales, and the RC Archbishop of Westminster, across nine religions — to encourage their communities to celebrate by lighting beacons in her honour on the first evening of the four-day Jubilee Weekend, which begins on 2 June. The Jubilee Beacons are being organised across the UK and Commonwealth as part of the official programme of events to pay tribute to the Queen.

Archbishop Welby said on Sunday: “This will be a moment of remarkable celebration, as we join together across different generations, denominations, faiths and communities all over the world in proper tribute to Her Majesty the Queen.

“My prayer is that this might be a chance to truly celebrate Her Majesty’s historic 70 years of service to her country and the Commonwealth, reaching out in friendship, and building community as we are reminded of our common bond under the Crown.”

The Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd Andrew John, also encouraged church choirs in Wales to join in the celebrations by singing the “Song for the Commonwealth” at 9:45 p.m. on the 2 June, which is when the jubilee beacons are due to be lit. “This is a marvellous opportunity for disparate nations, communities, faiths, and generations to join together in common fellowship and thank her Majesty for the 70 years of service and leadership she has given to millions across the world,” he said. “Let us lift our voices as one to honour both our Queen and the God she has served with such faith and diligence.”