Reacting on behalf of the Diocese of Norwich, the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher said:
“The news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, brings immense sadness to our nation and particularly to this Diocese of Norwich for which she always had great affection. Our thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty The King and the whole of the Royal Family.
“Her Majesty has served our nation and Commonwealth with distinction and devotion. As Supreme Governor of the Church of England she has spoken movingly about her own faith, and it is clear that she reigned out of a deep sense of God’s calling upon her life, a life of anointed service.
“Her Majesty’s visits to Norfolk, to her beloved Sandringham, meant that she has been held in special esteem and fondness in the County of Norfolk and Diocese of Norwich. I have very fond memories of being her guest at Sandringham and experiencing her kindness.
“Many will want to join in prayers and acts of thanksgiving, and churches will be kept open across the Diocese for people to visit, for prayer, for times of reflection and thanksgiving, and to sign the books of condolence that will be made available.
“As we begin to mourn the death of a great Sovereign, so we pray also for the new King and his family, and for our nation and Commonwealth.”
NORWICH CATHEDRAL
Norwich Cathedral is open for people of all faiths to pay their respects, to sign books of condolences, to lay flowers, light candles and to attend worship. Tonight (8 September) the Cathedral will be open from 7.30pm until 10pm.
- From tomorrow (9 September), the Cathedral will be open from 7am to 8pm daily.
- Please check the cathedral.org.uk for the latest service times.
- Flowers (without plastic wrapping) can be laid outside the entrance to the Cathedral’s Hostry in the Upper Close.
- Books of Condolence will be open from tomorrow (Friday 9 September) for people to sign in the Cathedral’s Nave.
CHURCHES ACROSS THE DIOCESE
For details of what is happening at your nearest church, please visit www.achurchnearyou.com/
More information about services and events will be released in the coming days.
For the latest information visit donstg.wpengine.com and www.cathedral.org.uk
