A Royal for Christ

Many who knew the Queen on a personal level have commented on what her faith meant to her; her relationship with Christianity was refreshing, as she approached faith differently than most on the world stage. She was concrete in her faith proclamations and had the humility to accept change where the Church needed it. The Queen’s efforts as head of England’s Church should inspire boldness when it comes to sharing the Gospel.

In her 2000 Christmas broadcast, Queen Elizabeth said, “His death might have been the end of the story, but then came the resurrection, and with it the foundation of the Christian faith.” Her words acknowledge a vital component of Jesus’s substitutionary death and bodily resurrection instead of painting him as simply a nice man. The Queen could have opted to make a more veiled statement about who Christ was but chose to speak of Him as God. 

Eleven years later, during the same annual Christmas broadcast, the Queen made another Gospel-inspired remark: “We need saving from ourselves – from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person, neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Savior, with the power to forgive.” This is a concise and concrete public proclamation of faith, a rarity from anyone of notoriety – let alone someone of the Queen’s pedigree and position. Her statement is more than just concrete in nature; it acknowledges man’s depravity and Christ as Savior. This should not be a significant statement from the head of the Church of England, but even within the world of Christendom, leaders of the faith seem to talk about anything as long as it isn’t sin or man’s need of a Savior. Not so with Queen Elizabeth II. She was not afraid to discuss these truths on the global stage and live them with her actions, too. 

The Queen not only proclaimed her faith but turned faith into action with her religious appointments. In 1985 the Queen appointed Wilfred Wood as Archbishop, making him the first Black person to hold that position. This appointment set a precedent that race would not disqualify people from such a title – for such a role should be filled by someone with sound doctrine and a capacity to serve. The Queen also appointed Bishop Wood Knight of St. Andrew (Order of Barbados), recognizing his impact on race relations and overall service to Barbadians. Her endorsements of Wood and of the countless others to which she carefully gave church positions reflect that her words regarding faith were not empty, but rather a guiding conviction through life.

In the days since her passing, those who knew the Queen on a spiritual level have commented on her personal faith. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said, “her trust in God and her profound love for God was foundational in how she led her life – hour by hour, day by day.” Stephen Bates, the Guardian‘s religious affairs and royal correspondent, held that “she is the most religious sovereign since the Protestant reformation” and even deemed her the “last true believer.” 

While American politicians often pander to evangelical voters, a large majority of the Queen’s subjects are secular and at most have a vague sense of spirituality. They would likely not have minded much if the traditional faith of the Monarchy withered away. Nonetheless, it has not withered because the Queen approached the Church with conviction and service, inspired by a deeply-held walk with Christ.        

Queen Elizabeth’s religious legacy stands apart in the history of the Monarchy and likely will not be replicated by her heirs. Hers was a special reign, in which the Monarchy put its foot down to uphold the message of the Gospel and allowed growth within the Church. All of this came from true belief and not a public obligation. She used her influence in the world to, amongst other things, share the message of salvation and promote Jesus as King.

In a world where promoting any belief system as the Way is frowned upon, the Queen was a true gift and defender of the faith. Across the pond, we should acknowledge the asset she was to the faith and, in turn, stand firm on what the Gospel means. The possibility of pushback from billions did not stop the Queen; thus, it should not stop us from standing firm in our schools, places of work, and social circles.