The Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, paid the following tribute to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh:
"I join with people across the Diocese of Lichfield in expressing our sorrow on the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and in sending our condolences to HM The Queen and all the members of the Royal Family. Prince Philip has lived a life of service, commitment and courage; he has been constantly loyal in his support of the Queen and tireless in his engagement with people of all communities across our country. His advocacy for young people, for conservation and for a wide range of charitable activities has been remarkable, and is an inspiration to us all. In this Easter season, our prayers for him are that he may enjoy the fulness of the life which is promised to us; and our prayers for our Queen are that in her grief she may know the comfort and hope which faith assures."
The Bishop of Wolverhampton, the Rt Revd Clive Gregory, added:
“I join with faith leaders across the City in expressing, on behalf of the communities we represent, our deep sorrow at the passing of Prince Philip. Many of us have cause to remember with gratitude his visits to our region, and the lively interest that he always showed in the causes and issues dear to our hearts. So many of our young people have benefited immeasurably from the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, helping them to develop the courage, loyalty and fortitude that he displayed in abundance during both his war and public service. Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty the Queen, the close family and all who will miss him most.”
The Bishop of Shewsbury, the Rt Revd Sarah Bullock, said:
“Alongside the people of Shropshire I join in expressing my profound sadness at the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and in sending my condolences to HM The Queen and all the Royal Family. Prince Philip was a man of commitment, dedication and service. His loyal support of HM The Queen and his selfless devotion and service will be long remembered and appreciated. His engagement with young people, through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme, was one of the Duke’s most remarkable achievements, equipping and empowering young people from across all communities to develop the skills, confidence and resilience they need to flourish and make the most out of life. We give thanks for his life and the deep faith which was a comfort and resource to him and our prayers are with our Queen and all the Royal Family at this time.”
The next Bishop of Stafford, Rt Revd Matthew Parker, said:
"There are many in North Staffordshire who have cause to be thankful for the long and full life of HRH Prince Phillip. In times of great change and turbulence the Prince offered a model of engaged, selfless and committed public service that will remain as an example to all who seek to find practical ways of loving and serving their neighbours. We can only marvel at the breadth of his interests and sympathies that encompassed a ground-breaking scheme for young people, a fascination with the potential of industry and engineering to improve human life and a profound respect for the integrity of the natural environment. Behind this notable public life lies the life of a man who was devoted to his family and most especially to Her Majesty the Queen and I add my deep condolences and prayers to the many already offered."
Leave a message of condolence on the Church of England website, where you can also find special prayer, liturgical resources and guidance for churches and resources for schools.
Read more about the cathedral's response - including a statement from the Dean of Lichfield and a prayer - here.