THE Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev Jackie Searle, has expressed her condolences following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

She said: “This is a time of the deepest sadness and sorrow as we collectively mourn the death of the Queen.

“She has been a faithful and inspiring monarch, living her life by her Christian values and exercising her authority from a place of deep faith and joyful service.

“She has been a most wise leader and figurehead, widely held in deep affection, not just here but all around the world.

“In the midst of our grief, we offer our thanksgiving to God for her long reign and exemplary life.”

WATERSHED MOMENT

The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev Robert Atwell, said: “The death of the Queen represents a huge watershed in the life of our nation.

“Like the majority of the population, I cannot remember a time when Queen Elizabeth was not on the throne.  She combined a strong sense of duty with a deep Christian faith.

“She had an extraordinary ability to generate goodwill by celebrating the work of ordinary people and charities, and by encouraging service to others.

“She was a very private person who was public property, someone whom the world over was held in great affection and esteem. This nation – and the Church of which she was head – owe her an enormous debt of gratitude.

“May she rest in peace and rise in glory.”

CONSTANT ROCK

The Bishop of Plymouth-Designate, the Rev’d Prebendary James Grier, added: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of her Majesty the Queen.

“This is such a sad and historic moment for our nation and the world. Yet it is also a time of profound gratitude. 

“For the majority of us, she has been our only monarch. Prior to her coronation, she asked for prayer for the wisdom and strength to faithfully serve God and the people of her monarchy, all the days of her life. This is a prayer that has been well and truly answered since the mark of her reign and life have been faith and service.

“In all the changing seasons and uncertainties of the decades, she has been a constant rock, pointing us to God, the Rock of ages, who is with us in our grief today.”

The new Bishop of Plymouth is due to be ordained as a bishop in Westminster Abbey on September 29.

Churches across Devon are opening for prayer and for people to light candles and sign books of condolence following the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

Bells are being tolled and flags lowered to half-mast to mark the official period of mourning.

Many churches will be holding special commemorative services, which will take place before the Queen’s funeral.

There will also be a civic service in each of Devon’s district or unitary council areas, as well as a county-wide service at Exeter Cathedral. The likely date for these services is Sunday, September 18. More details will be published in due course.