The Archbishop of Canterbury has asked for bishops to pray for Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III in a new letter published Thursday.
The Most Reverend Justin Welby wrote his letter to the Primates of the Anglican Communion and Moderators of the United Churches following the death of Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Speaking of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s faith, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, wrote: “As Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and as a faithful Christian disciple, Her Late Majesty lived out her faith every day of her life. Her trust in God and profound love for him was foundational in how she led her life – hour by hour, day by day.
“In Her Late Majesty’s life we saw what it means to receive the gift of life we have been given by God and – through patient, humble, selfless service – share it as a gift to others.”
He called the late Queen’s legacy one that “is found in almost every aspect of our national life, as well as the lives of so many nations around the world, and especially in the Commonwealth,” and encouraged prayers for the people of the Commonwealth and the realms in addition to the people of the United Kingdom.
For King Charles III, the Archbishop of Canterbury asked for prayers for the new monarch, who is expected to arrive in London on Friday for the first full day of his reign.
In closing, the Archbishop wrote for prayers for himself “that God will strengthen, guide and support me in my duties at this time of mourning; as I assure you, too, of my continuing prayers for you all; and especially for the provinces which serve areas included in Her Late Majesty’s realm and territories.”
