November 15, 2005

Hundreds of members of the new Synod of the Church of England join with Her Majesty the Queen, for a Communion Service to mark the opening of the "church's parliament." The synod is re-formed every 5 years and the Queen by custom attends the Eucharist and speaks at the opening session, in her role of Supreme Governor of the Church of England. HRH Prince Philip joined the Queen and they were seated in the main sanctuary near the high altar.

The service, using the propers for the Holy Spirit, was held in Westminster Abbey. It began with a procession of synod members from all over the church, with each diocese being led into the abbey by their own bishop. Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams was the celebrant of the service from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Music was provided by James O'Donnell and the beloved men and boys choir of the Abbey. The Archbishop of York, the Most Revd and Rt Hon John Sentamu, read the gospel and assisted in the Communion. The sermon was preached by Prof Frances Young. (text to follow). The Archbishops and Dean Wesley Carr and the Abbey clergy all donned bright red copes for the service. Young people from synod offered the prayer intentions before the Prayer for the Church was said by Archbishop Rowan.

In the synod chamber the Queen received a warm and enthusiastic welcome with Archbishop Sentamu leading the synod in the acclamation God Save the Queen in response to the words from Her Majesty.

Ecumenical guests were present including leaders of the Free Churches, the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Orthodox Churches.

Anglican Communion News Service, London