DEFENDER OF THE FAITH

As we all mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, may we remember and honor her incredible life, one dedicated to a lifetime of dutiful service to her people and as Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of The Church of England. 

Throughout the history of our tradition, the British Monarch has been the symbolic head of The Church of England dating to the time of His Majesty King Henry VIII when he separated the English Church from Rome and established The Church of England, proclaiming himself and every future monarch to be Supreme Governor and Defender of the Faith. The Church of England later spawned the Worldwide Anglican Communion through the expansion of the Church of England throughout the British colonial territories which, to a large extent, make up the present-day Commonwealth of Nations. The American Episcopal Church of the United States is deeply rooted in The Church of England as it was first established in Jamestown, Virginia in 1607.

Her Majesty The Queen took her roles as Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor very seriously. She was an anointed monarch and, for her, this meant she shared a sacred trust between herself and God. She was a devout Christian woman with an immense faith that resonated throughout her reign and deeply influenced her sense of duty to her people and to God.

The Christmas Broadcasts, first introduced by her grandfather, King George V in 1934, was a hallmark of her time on the throne, and she used these messages to firmly proclaim her faith, inspiring everyone to live by Christ’s own example. She stated in her 2002 Christmas Broadcast "Our modern world places such heavy demands on our time and attention that the need to remember our responsibilities to others is greater than ever." "Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God."

She championed inclusiveness as she proclaimed often that we are all part of a “larger family” and in 2004 said, "Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour."  She always endeavored to teach us all to be more tolerant of our fellow man and to love everyone, no matter what. "For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance, and healing. Christ's example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none." (Christmas, 2014) Queen Elizabeth II encouraged us all to love one another and live through Christ’s love as she said in her 2015 Christmas message, “Despite being displaced and persecuted throughout his short life, Christ's unchanging message was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another." 

Although The Queen was one of the most recognizable figures in the world, she was a person of great humility and her sense of duty to others was deeply rooted in Christ. "This is the time of year when we remember that God sent his only son 'to serve, not to be served'. He restored love and service to the centre of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ. It is my prayer this Christmas Day that his example and teaching will continue to bring people together to give the best of themselves in the service of others. The carol, In The Bleak Midwinter, ends by asking a question of all of us who know the Christmas story, of how God gave himself to us in humble service: 'What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man, I would do my part'. The carol gives the answer: 'Yet what I can I give him – give my heart'. (Christmas message, 2012)

As we remember The Queen’s extraordinary life this week, let us strive to honor her memory by loving and caring for one another as Christ would have us do. May Her Majesty rest in peace and may God grant to the King his richest blessings as he inherits this great responsibility of caring for and nurturing The Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion of which we are all a part.  

-Timothy J. Brumfield, Director of Music Ministry, Organist, and Choirmaster