Archbishop of Canterbury Tests Positive for Covid
Will Miss Platinum Jubilee Thanksgiving at St Paul’s
The Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury has tested positive for Covid and will miss the Platinum Jubilee service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Welby was diagnosed with pneumonia on Ascension Day before testing positive for Covid on the following Monday, 30 May.
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York will serve as Welby’s replacement for the 70th Anniversary service. He is a member of Affirming Catholicism and supports same-sex marriage. He was cited in the Daily Mail on 1 March 2021 as saying the Church of England should be more involved with politics.
In a prepared statement given to the media at the announcement of Welby’s illness, the Archbishop said:
“I am deeply saddened to be missing the historic celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
“However, I will be praying for The Queen and giving thanks for her extraordinary 70 years of service to us all.
“I will also be praying for our nation at this time of celebration and thanksgiving. May The Queen’s example bring us together in unity and care for one another.
“For those attending Friday’s service at St Paul’s Cathedral, and the millions watching on television, I hope this joyful occasion will inspire us with The Queen’s profound commitment to fostering unity and peace among all people – and to promoting care for the natural world that God has given us.
“Led by the love of Jesus Christ, The Queen has lived her life for the benefit of others: l pray we find inspiration from Her Majesty over the Jubilee weekend and long into the future.
“Meanwhile as we continue to live with coronavirus, I pray too for all those who are still suffering and everyone who continues to mourn loved ones they have lost during the pandemic. May you each know the love and comfort of God.”
“As we prepare to celebrate the first Platinum Jubilee in our nation’s history, may God save The Queen, and bless her with the knowledge of our profound love and gratitude for her service to us all.”
