Public Faith

SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 

“To what greater inspiration and counsel can we turn,” she asked, “than to the imperishable truth to be found in this treasure house, the Bible?”

Queen Elizabeth II

I am not a “Royal Watcher, however, Queen Elizabeth II is the Monarch I have grown up with. Singing at the start of Each Elementary school day our National Anthem and "God Save our Queen."  Today, will be her funeral and the world will pay tribute to her, and celebrate her life. Whatever our views happen to be about Monarchy, I have found it interesting and have been deeply moved by the evidence of Queen Elizabeth II’s faith. One of her titles is “Defender of the Faith,” and she did not simply carry this title in name, she was a Christian and she at many times during her reign revealed this spiritual depth, and through it, she was used to give too many the strength and comfort needed at just the proper time.

In her 2016 address, she explained, “Billions of people now follow Christ’s teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives. I am one of them because Christ’s example helps me see the value in doing small things with great love, whoever does them and whatever they themselves believe.”

Today I thought I would post some quotes that Queen Elizabeth II included in speeches over her reign. I think these are a glimpse into her soul and spirit.


“I want to ask you all, whatever your religion may be, to pray for me that day–to pray that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.” 

 —Six months before her Coronation

“Today we need a special kind of courage. Not the kind needed in battle, but a kind which makes us stand up for everything that we know is right, everything that is true and honest. We need the kind of courage that can withstand the subtle corruption of the cynics, so that we can show the world that we are not afraid of the future.” 

 —Annual Christmas broadcast, 1957

“Let us not take ourselves too seriously. None of us has a monopoly on wisdom.” 

 —Annual Christmas broadcast, 1991

“For me the teachings of Christ and my own person accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example.” 

 —Annual Christmas broadcast, 2000

“Grief is the price we pay for love.” 

 — Condolence message at service of remembrance after 9/11

“At the heart of our faith stand not a preoccupation with our own welfare and comfort but the concepts of service and of sacrifice.” 

 —General Synod Inauguration address, 2010

“For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace…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 respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.” 

 —Annual Christmas broadcast, 2014

"We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again." —Televised address on April 5, 2020, after outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic

In 2002 the Queen endured a painful year of personal losses with the deaths of her sister, Princess Margaret, and the Queen Mother. In her annual Christmas address that year, she spoke of how her faith had sustained her.

“I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad,” she said. “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.”

Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”