As the head of the Church of England, the Queen has sent a message to those attending the Lambeth Conference, reminding bishops of the “great need of God – in love and deed” following the pandemic.

The 15th Lambeth Conference was originally due to be held in 2020, but was pushed back by two years due to the emergence of the coronavirus and the various lockdowns.
The original date would have marked 100 years since the Anglican bishops gathered at the end of the First World War, to tackle issues of peace and unity – issues, Her Majesty states, that are “perhaps even more important today.”

The full letter says: “It is with great pleasure that I send my warm greetings as you continue your meeting in the fifteenth Lambeth Conference.

“As we all emerge from the pandemic, I know that the Conference is taking place at a time of great need for the love of God – both in word and deed.

“I am reminded that this gathering was necessarily postponed two years ago, when you had hoped to mark the centenary of the Lambeth Conference that took place in 1920, in the aftermath of the First World War.

“Then, the bishops of the Anglican Communion set out a path for an ongoing commitment towards Christian unity in a changing world; a task that is, perhaps, even more important today, as together you look to the future and explore the role of the church in responding to the needs of the present age.

“Now, as so often in the past, you have convened during a period of immense challenge for bishops, clergy and lay people around the world, with many of you serving in places of suffering, conflict and trauma.

“It is of comfort to me that you do so in the strength of God.

“We also live in a time when the effects of climate change are threatening the lives and livelihoods of many people and communities, not least the poorest and those less able to adapt and adjust.

“I was interested to learn that the focus of your programme at Lambeth Palace today is reflection and dialogue on the theme of the environment, a cause close to the heart of my late husband, and carried on by The Prince of Wales and The Duke of Cambridge.

“Throughout my life, the message and teachings of Christ have been my guide and in them I find hope. It is my heartfelt prayer that you will continue to be sustained by your faith in times of trial and encouraged by hope at times of despair.

“I send my warmest good wishes to you all for a successful Conference and may God bless you in your ministry and service in his world.”