'Faithful Christian disciple’: Christian leaders pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Justin Welby

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby released a statement in which he conveyed his “profound sadness” over the queen's death, asking for prayers for the royal family.

“As we grieve together, we know that, in losing our beloved Queen, we have lost the person whose steadfast loyalty, service and humility has helped us make sense of who we are through decades of extraordinary change in our world, nation and society,” said Welby.

“As deep as our grief runs, even deeper is our gratitude for Her Late Majesty’s extraordinary dedication to the United Kingdom, her Realms and the Commonwealth. Through times of war and hardship, through seasons of upheaval and change, and through moments of joy and celebration, we have been sustained by Her Late Majesty’s faith in what and who we are called to be.”

Welby also spotlighted Elizabeth II’s position as Supreme Governor of the Church of England and a “faithful Christian disciple,” noting that she “lived out her faith every day of her life.”