A Bermondsey vicar has spoken about his admiration for the Queen, because he could tell that her Christian faith was genuinely deep.
Gary Jenkins, vicar of St James’ Church on Jamaica Road and St Anne’s in Thorburn Square, said: “The Queen means a lot to us in the C of E because her faith was very real.
“She spoke about her faith with real simplicity and clarity.”
The monarch is the Defender of the Faith – meaning the Church of England – a title that dates back to Henry VIII. But not every king or queen is devout, despite being the head of the English church.
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Gary never met the Queen but was at her last appearance on the balcony, and happened to be very close when she came out. “There was a huge crowd and huge cheers when she came out,” he said.
St James’ and St Anne’s both had services in memory of the Queen on Friday (September 9), the day after she died. There will be another special service of thanksgiving and commendation at both churches next Sunday (September 18), the day before her state funeral.
“There’s a sense that we are commending her into God’s hands before the funeral. We’re placing the Queen in God’s hands.”
Anyone who come who wants to come to either service is welcome.
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Southwark pays tribute to Her Majesty The Queen – read our six pages of coverage