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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National
Michael Parris

Newcastle Anglican diocese plans memorial service for queen

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II

The Anglican Diocese of Newcastle will mark the death of Queen Elizabeth at a memorial service at Christ Church Cathedral in the next 10 days.

The Bishop of Newcastle, Dr Peter Stuart, said on Friday that Anglicans in the Hunter joined with other Australians in mourning the queen's passing.

"Like all aspects of her life, the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is an event which takes place in the public eye," he said.

"We are reminded of our own mortality and the passing of people we love.

"I encourage people to take a moment to remember Her Majesty's dignified service and to call to mind the things that give purpose and direction to their lives."

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The queen was the supreme governor of the Church of England, part of the Global Anglican Communion, but was not the head of the Anglican Church of Australia.

The cathedral attracted a larger than usual crowd for its Friday morning service and will be open all weekend for people to leave floral tributes and for private prayer.

We remember her visits to our nation and especially to this region," Bishop Peter said.

"We give heartfelt thanks to God for her and offer our condolences and prayers for the royal family as they mourn."

Queen Elizabeth greets well-wishers in Civic Park during her visit to Newcastle in March 1977. File picture

The cathedral's official memorial service will take place before the state funeral in London.

The cathedral is investigating whether to show the funeral on a large television screen.

Bishop Peter was born in England to a Welsh mother.

"We were aware of the Prince of Wales. I understand that there is a special sense that their prince is now their king," he said.

Bishop Peter Stuart at Christ Church Cathedral. File picture

"I am old enough to remember regularly singing 'God save the queen' in primary school, and I know it will be strange to sing 'God save the king' on the rare occasions we now use the royal anthem.

"Anglicans are shaped by prayer, and we regularly pray for the queen and her ministers.

"We now pray for a king and hold the royal family in prayer as we would with any family who mourns."

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