Following the death of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Archbishop Anne asks that the parishes across Algoma follow these protocols and procedures. Clergy are asked to share these protocols with congregations in announcements so their people know what to expect and why the parish is not holding a larger memorial observance right away.
- Clergy and wardens not having done so already, are asked to make arrangements for their church bells to be tolled, once per minute, 96 times, as soon as possible.
- Flags on church properties are to be lowered to half-mast until sunset on the day of the funeral.
- There is normally a 10-day period between the death of the monarch and the funeral during which simple prayers as part of regularly scheduled liturgies are welcome.
- Regarding the accession to the throne of the new King, a directive from the Primate’s office today reads: “On the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, all references to Her Majesty in the Book of Common Prayer 1962, the Book of Alternative Services, and all other liturgies published or authorized by the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada shall be replaced by reference to His Majesty King Charles 111 with immediate effect.” This directive is promulgated pursuant to Canon XIV section 3, this 9th Day of September, in the Year of our Lord 2022.
- After The Queen’s funeral, the national Canadian memorial in Ottawa, and the national Anglican service of Evensong in Toronto, and a service of Evening Prayer at St. Luke’s Cathedral in Sault Ste. Marie, it is appropriate that special commemorative services be held in all parishes. The Service of Evening Prayer at St. Luke’s Cathedral will take place on Sunday October 2nd at 7pm. No services in parishes should be held before these four important milestone events. While the Queen and the new King may be referenced in homilies and the prayers of the people, clergy and lay readers are asked not to eulogize The Queen or preach on her death until the parish service is held.
- Additional guidance and liturgical resources will be provided in the coming days, as they become available for services in your parishes. You may set the date for your parish service any time after October 2nd. It is appropriate for you to invite the Mayor of your community, The Chief of your local Indigenous Community, as well as representatives from the Provincial and Federal Government, the Military, and the Chief of Police.
The following prayer is suitable for use in Sunday worship and can be adapted to serve as a petition or bidding in the prayers of the people.
O God, from whom comes everything that is upright and true:
Accept our thanks for the gifts of heart and mind thou didst bestow on thy servant Elizabeth, And which she showed forth among us in her words and deeds; Deal graciously we pray thee, with those who mourn, especially the members of the Royal Family, that casting every care on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.