Chief Rabbi joins faith leaders congratulating The Queen on Platinum Jubilee
18 religious figures welcomed an initiative to light beacons in tribute to Her Majesty's 70 years of public service on the throne
The nation’s faith leaders, including the Chief Rabbi, have voiced their support for beacons which will be lit in tribute to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said the fires, which will light up the night sky across the UK and Commonwealth on June 2, will see people joining together in celebration and remind everyone of “our common bond under the Crown”.
His words are echoed by senior clerics from eight faith communities – Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Zoroastrian and Bahai – who have congratulated the monarch as she reaches her 70-year reign milestone on Sunday.
They include the Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols, head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, and the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis.
They voiced strong support for the Platinum Jubilee Beacons and urged their communities to take part.
Chief Rabbi Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, said: “The kindling of the Queen’s Jubilee Beacons throughout the United Kingdom and the capital cities of the Commonwealth will be a most powerful symbol as we celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 remarkable years on the throne.
“In Jewish tradition, the lighting of a flame accompanies many of our most important religious observances, representing the point at which the material and sacred meet.
“The fragile flame conveys the profound lesson that spirituality cannot manifest in the world if we do not cultivate and protect it.”
Marie van der Zyl, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews added: “On behalf of the Jewish community of the United Kingdom I am delighted to give my wholehearted support to the wonderful celebration of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons.
Throughout her remarkable reign, the Queen has encouraged harmony and friendship across the many different communities and denominations of this country.
The simultaneous lighting of the beacons symbolises her wonderful contribution in bringing people together. We will be joining the entire country in celebrating the Her Majesty’s magnificent 70 years of service to her country and Commonwealth.”
Archbishop Welby encouraged people to sing the “Song for the Commonwealth” as the beacons are lit, and said: “This will be a moment of remarkable celebration, as we join together across different generations, denominations, faiths and communities all over the world in proper tribute to Her Majesty the Queen.
“My prayer is that this might be a chance to truly celebrate Her Majesty’s historic 70 years of service to her country and the Commonwealth, reaching out in friendship, and building community as we are reminded of our common bond under the Crown.”
Imam Qari Asim, chair of the Mosque and Imams National Advisory Board, said: “Throughout her 70-year long reign, the Queen has shown deep commitment, affection and admiration for her country, the Commonwealth and the people across the world, as well as the ability to adapt and evolve with the changing world around her.
“Her Majesty the Queen has been a wonderful beacon of hope, integrity, stability and unity for our country and beyond. May the Lord allow this momentous occasion of the Platinum Jubilee to provide unity, peace and hope across our wonderful nation.”
Building on a long tradition of lighting beacons to mark significant royal celebrations, more than 1,500 Platinum Jubilee Beacons will be lit across the UK and Commonwealth on the first evening of the extended four-day Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend in June.
The 18 faith leaders who have voiced support for the Platinum Jubilee Beacons include:
- The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury
- The Right Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullaly DBE, Bishop of London
- Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster
- Imam Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, Chief Imam, Director General, Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society
- Imam Qari Asim, Chair of Mosques & Imams National Advisory Board
- Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth
- Marie van der Zyl, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews
- Visakha Dasi, Temple President of Bhaktivedanta Manor (of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness)
- Rajnish Kashyap, General Secretary, Hindu Council UK
- Trupti Patel, President, Hindu Forum of Britain
- Lord Singh of Wimbledon, Director at Network of Sikh Organisations UK
- Jasvir Singh OBE, Chair of City Sikhs
- Venerable Seelawimala, Head Priest of the London Buddhist Vihara
- Venerable Ajahn Amaro, Abbot, Amaravati Buddhist Monastery
- Malcolm M. Deboo, President of Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE)
- National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United Kingdom,
- Dr Natubhai Shah MBE, Founder Chair/CEO of the Jain Network
- The Revd Canon Hilary Barber and Mr Narendra Waghela, Co-Chairs, on behalf of the Interfaith Network Board for the UK Board of Trustees
- Krish Raval OBE, Director, Faith in Leadership
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