The Duke of Edinburgh

It is with great sadness that we have all learned today of the death of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

The flags at Steeple Aston and Tackley fly at half mast, and there are photographs of the Prince along with copies of a prayer issued by the Church of England in each of our churches.

This is the prayer you will find in our churches:

God of our lives,

we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip,

For his love of our country,

and for his devotion to duty.

We entrust him now to your love and mercy,

through our Redeemer Jesus Christ.

Amen.

The Church of England also has an online condolences book that anyone may sign. It is available by clicking here.

Many of us have lost loved ones in these months. There may be a special reminder of our own grief as we share in this common grief together through these days. Our church buildings are open, and at this Easter time we hope that the love of God will comfort and surround us all. Please come into our buildings during the day at any time to take time, to pause, to pray, to be quiet and to remember.

Tears fall and hearts ache, but Jesus stands in our midst to say - we are loved, we are precious, and we are not alone. God's love and God's life are for each of us and are for always.

Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh shared this faith together through the long years of their marriage, and this hope is offered to each of us today.

We join with people across the world in wishing Her Majesty the Queen and all the Royal Family our heartfelt condolences and offering our prayers and love at this time.