Southwark celebrates the Queen's Jubilee

13 Jun 2012

On Thursday 7^th June, Southwark Cathedral played host to a Civic Service for the London Borough of Southwark. The service, in the presence of HRH Princess Alexandra, celebrated HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee in the context of life in Southwark over sixty years.  

Civic dignitaries, Faith leaders and residents of the Borough joined together to hear readings, colourful reminiscences and music from each decade of The Queen's reign. Speakers included Sam King MBE, the first black Mayor of Southwark, Simon Hughes MP and the actor Timothy West.Prayers were led by Christian leaders from around the Borough.  

In his address, the Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, reflected on the rapid pace of change and the royal source of stability and constancy, matched by the presence and vibrancy of the Cathedral and other places of worship, which he described as 'power houses of voluntary endeavour'. Bishop Christopher reminded everyone that the support of our communities, the seeking of the common good and finding joy in public service was both a hall mark of the way that The Queen has discharged her duties and a challenge that was set before each person present.  

The Bishop then joined with the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Southwark to lead an Act of Commitment to the life of the Borough and its communities before blessing the congregation.The service concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.

The Bishop's Address can be found here on the Cathedral website at: http://tinyurl.com/d5zrjo4
Photos from the service can be found on the Diocesan Flickr photostream at: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjzVVb4Q

Ends.