Queen Elizabeth II Dies: Christian Leaders and Artists Respond

Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96. Buckingham Palace released a statement just after 6:30pm on Thursday local time (3:30am Friday AEST), confirming the Queen had died at her Balmoral estate in the Scottish Highlands.

"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," it read. "The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

Christian leaders and artists have responded as they offer their prayers, reflections, memories, and thoughts. 

Franklin Graham:

I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She has been a symbol of stability and steadfastness for the United Kingdom for 70 years, and I'm asking people to join me in praying for the royal family and the people of the UK.

I will always appreciate her example of leadership and her life of integrity. I'm especially grateful for the Queen's friendship with my father @BillyGraham. He cherished their friendship that was built on a shared love for Jesus Christ and belief in God's Word. My father had the privilege of meeting with the Queen more than a dozen times, and she was a gracious host, inviting my parents to visit Buckingham Palace on several occasions. My father said he found Queen Elizabeth "to be a woman of rare modesty and character," and made a pledge to pray for her and her family every day. He also appreciated how she often talked about Jesus Christ during her public addresses-there was never any question about where she placed her faith. Queen Elizabeth once said, "I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel."

The Queen was a friend to my father, but more importantly, she was a true friend of the Christian faith. She will be profoundly missed.

Matt Redman:

"I cannot lead you into battle, I do not give you laws or administer justice but I can do something else, I can give you my heart and my devotion."

This quote from the Queen's 1957 Christmas broadcast sums it all up for me. A life lived so well, before God, with a beautiful mix of duty and devotion. Royal, yet servant-hearted.
Regal, yet hard-working. Crowned, yet kind.

In an age where character no longer seems to be king, I'm so grateful that this steadfast, faithful and dedicated follower of Christ was our Queen. I join my voice today to the millions of others mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II and celebrating her inspiring legacy. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. 

Anne Graham Lotz:

Along with untold millions of people I am grieving our loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. One of my earliest memories is of watching her coronation on the old black and white tv in Daddy's study. Words are totally inadequate to express my deepest respect for her courage, character and commitment to her life's calling. My comfort now is in knowing she had a strong, personal faith, and so is finally Home after a very well lived life.

Tasha Layton:

"Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God."

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

What an incredible life of duty, faithfulness and devotion. She was such an inspiration to me even from the time I was a little girl. Integrity, dignity... not growing weary in well doing. Rest In Peace. 

Philippa Hanna:

My dear Queen. How I have admired you throughout my life. The longest serving monarch, faithful and steadfast even to the end. Beloved so deeply by your family, your country, and millions around the world. There has never been and will never be another like you. You have confessed your faith and lifted up Jesus for 7 decades to the Nations. Bless you dear Elizabeth. Now you will be welcomed into the loving arms of your saviour. The Lord bless you and keep you. Thank you ma'am.

Travis Greene:

My thoughts and prayers are with my friends and family across the pond, as you mourn the loss of your beloved Queen. May the peace of God be with England and the strength of God be with those closest to her.  

Brian Houston:

So saddened to hear about the passing of Queen Elizabeth 11. What an example her remarkable consistency has been. It's the first time in my lifetime that a British monarch has died so it's significant. 

 

Tags : Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II death Queen Elizabeth II funeral Matt Redman Brian Houston Franklin Graham travis greene Anne Graham Lotz philippa hanna tasha layton