I wanted to share some thoughts about how we approach death and dying. Our last church, Bearwood Chapel had the full range of ages with plenty of children and young people but also a significant number of people in their 80s and 90s. That meant we saw a fair few deaths and funerals for people… Continue reading It’s time we learned to talk about death and dying
Tag: Queen Elizabeth II
Freedom of speech, decorum and breach of the peace
There is in the UK widespread seemingly widespread support for the monarchy. Now, there is an important distinction between “widespread support” and “unanimous support.” There is a significant proportion of people who would prefer the crown to be replaced with a republic. Readers of Faithroots will know from past articles that I sit closer to… Continue reading Freedom of speech, decorum and breach of the peace
O Thou who camest from above
At the memorial service to Queen Elizabeth II on Friday evening in St Paul’s cathedral, a few traditional hymns were sung that are probably not so well known to many. So, I thought I’d share them with a few reflections. One of them was “O Thou who camest from above” by Charles Wesley. The lyrics… Continue reading O Thou who camest from above
Don’t make it about …
In my other article this morning I talk about the grief and mourning process thinking about what happens when this happens in a wider public context. Of course one of the emotions that can be part of grief (though doesn’t always have to be) is anger. I don’t think there has been much of that… Continue reading Don’t make it about …
A period of mourning
I just wanted to share a few further reflections on grief and mourning, particularly with reference to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. I’m writing aware that a lot of readers are UK based and so the events of the last day or two have no doubt had a deep affect on many but I’m… Continue reading A period of mourning
Her Majesty … Our Queen
Yesterday evening it was announced that Queen Elizabeth II had died aged 96. I was in the city centre when the official news came through. Even though we knew she had been increasingly frail and even though we had known through the afternoon that there were health concerns for her and her family were gathering… Continue reading Her Majesty … Our Queen
Is the national Anthem a prayer and should we sing it in church?
Before we leave behind some of the questions that have arisen out of the Jubilee weekend, I’d like to talk about one more thing. One suggestion made has been that we could at least sing the National Anthem in our church services because it is a prayer. In fact, I’ve seen it argued that this… Continue reading Is the national Anthem a prayer and should we sing it in church?
Why I won’t be celebrating Jubilee Sunday (if I can help it)
Yesterday, I began to talk about celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. As promised, here’s why I don’t intend to make a big thing of the so called Jubilee Sunday. The first thing to say is that my position doesn’t arise out of some passionate republicanism although my sympathies lie increasingly that way. I’m inclined to… Continue reading Why I won’t be celebrating Jubilee Sunday (if I can help it)
Is the Queen a Christian?
This weekend marks the official celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. A recent pastors’ discussion on Facebook was prompted by the question “How will you be marking Jubilee Sunday?” My answer is that “I won’t”. I’ll write a little bit more about that tomorrow. Steve Kneale has written here explaining why he won’t. Personally, I’ve… Continue reading Is the Queen a Christian?
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