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The Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave paid tribute to the Queen and prayed for King Charles:
He said: “I share the deep sorrow of people across the Diocese of Lichfield at the death of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and send our condolences to all members of the Royal Family.
“The Queen lived a remarkable life of faithful service and maintained strength, courage and grace as she led our country through countless changes and challenges. She has served all our communities tirelessly and lived a life the like of which we are unlikely ever to witness again.
“The Queen’s strong personal faith in Jesus Christ informed her sense of duty and her role as Defender of the Faith. We pray now that she finds rest and peace, assured by her faith, and for our cathedral and other churches across the diocese in the coming days and weeks as they offer a place of consolation for all those who mourn.
“We also pray for His Majesty King Charles III at the beginning of his reign and we pray that he may know comfort as he grieves his mother’s death.”
Lichfield Cathedral is extending its opening hours for prayer and reflection. Its website will be updated with details. Other churches across the diocese are also opening for prayers to be read and books of condolence to be signed. Keep an eye on our Twitter feed for details.
A dedicated page on the Church of England website is now available, housing an online book of condolence. It also includes guidance for parish churches, guidance for prayer and worship and other liturgical resources.
