A book of condolence at St Wilfrid’s Church, Grappenhall
Parish churches, cathedrals, and chapels across the country have been open for prayer and reflection following the announcement of the passing of Her Late Majesty.
More than 5,000 messages from the UK and across the world had been entered on the Church of England’s online book of condolence by this morning.
Local books of condolence are also being opened in cathedrals and churches for people to sign in person. There is also a Buckingham Palace national book of condolence.
The Archbishop of Canterbury said: “The Church gives a place, and literally a physical space, in our extraordinary parish churches and cathedrals around the land, in which people can find that they can express their sorrow and find hope and abundant life.”
Revd Jane Proudfoot, Rector of St Wilfrid's Church, Grappenhall organised a book of condolence, she said: “Shortly after the announcement of Her Late Majesty’s death, we informed people via social media that a book of condolence would be available to anyone wishing to show their respects when we opened the church at 8pm. There were already people waiting when we opened the doors. The book will be available for signing until the day after the state funeral and will be kept as a public record of our community’s response to this momentous event.”
Resources for churches including orders of service, prayers, and hymns are being shared with parishes through dioceses.
People waiting to sign the book of condolence at Chester Cathedral