A message from The Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This Sunday, 6th February 2022, is the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen’s accession to the throne, following the death of her father King George VI. We have been blessed by The Queen’s long reign through her dutiful service to the nation and Commonwealth. A great deal has changed in the world since 1952. Throughout the many changes, The Queen has been a faithful and stable presence in all our lives, quietly nurtured by her Christian faith and nurturing it in others. I encourage you to give thanks for her and for her steadfast service. 

The Dean of Southwark has written the short prayer below. Our National Anthem is a prayer. May what we ask continue to be granted – “God save The Queen!”

Prayer on the 70th Anniversary of the Accession to the throne of Her Majesty The Queen

The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of hosts.

Haggai 2.8

God, save the Queen,

As we give thanks for Her Majesty’s

70 years of service to this nation

and to the Commonwealth.

With the splendour of silver,

the dignity of gold,

the sparkle of diamonds

and the quality of platinum

may we seek to serve one another

and follow in the steps that she has trod

for the common good

and for the building up of your kingdom;

in Jesus’ name.

Amen.