The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, the Bishop of Chelmsford has expressed her great sadness at the news of the Queen’s passing. Bishop Guli said:

“My thoughts and prayers, and those of everyone in the Diocese of Chelmsford, are with the Royal Family, our nation and commonwealth.

“At this time of great sadness, we remember with profound gratitude Her Majesty the Queen’s contribution as monarch. Her reign included times of great joy and celebration but also many challenges. It has been a time of unprecedented change for this nation and the world but throughout, Her Majesty’s faith in God and extraordinary sense of duty helped to guide her.

“As we mourn Her Majesty’s death, we give thanks to God for her life, her faith and her exceptional devotion to her duty as monarch.”

An electronic book of condolence has been opened on the Church of England website and it can be accessed via this link.

St Mary’s church will be open to say a prayer, to light a candle, to sign the book of condolence, on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th September from 1.00-5.00pm.