The visit of the IAMSCU’s President to England, The Rev. Dr. Thomas Wolfe, coincided with period of national mourning due to the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday, September 8, 2022. The Methodist Church in Britain published a statement on this occasion:
It was with profound sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty the Queen today. We join the nation in grief and thank God for her long and distinguished reign. The loyalty to, and love expressed, for Queen Elizabeth across the world is a testament to the life that she led, one marked by dedicated service to others. She provided encouragement and reassurance to a world living through uncertain times.
The Methodist Church in Britain and the Methodist Church in Ireland were involved in the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. The IAMSCU President was able to meet with the President of the Methodist Church, The Rev. Canon Graham Thompson, who had been summoned by King Charles III to attend a meeting to prepare the last farewell to the Queen.
On this occasion, the IAMSCU President asked Rev. Thompson to present condolences to the Royal family, the British people, and members of the Commonwealth, not only on behalf of the British Methodist Church, but also on behalf of IAMSCU, representing more than 1,000 Methodist-related educational institutions in 5 continents and 80 countries. Monday, September 19, was declared an official holiday in England and the day of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral. The IAMSCU President and the IAMSCU Executive Secretary, Dr. Amos Nascimento, register their condolences at St. Mary’s Church, the University Church in Cambridge:
With our thoughts and prayers! With gratitude and recognition for the long term of service, outstanding legacy, and lasting memories. On behalf of the International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges, and Universities (IAMSCU) and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) of the United Methodist Church.
There were many liturgical ceremonies and moments of prayer across Britain and across the world, mourning the Queen’s passing and celebrating her legacy. The Methodist Central Hall, located right across Westminster Abbey, where the funeral was held, issued the following prayer:
Loving God of all, we give thanks for the long life of Her Majesty The Queen; for her wisdom and dignity; for her faithfulness to her vows; for her dedication to public service; for her Christian faith and joyful witness. May she rest in peace and enjoy the gift of everlasting life. We entrust Queen Elizabeth to your eternal love and pray for The King and all the Royal family at this sad time. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Methodist leaders in the United Kingdom reflected on Queen Elizabeth II and her impact: https://abcnews.go.com/International/video/methodist-leader-back-queen-elizabeth-iis-impact-90176441