Church Of England Prepares For Jubilee Celebrations

The Church of England is promoting two special initiatives to encourage public and church goers to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The Anglicans have announced they are encouraging churches to hold ‘Big Jubilee Lunches’ and are also inviting members of the public to sign ‘Big Thank You’ letters, to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th year on the throne.

The Big Jubilee Lunch will see around six million people sitting down to lunch in a variety of streets, parks and playgrounds on June 3rd.

Churches are being encouraged to organise a Big Jubilee Lunch in their area, to celebrate in style.

Begun by eco pioneers ‘The Eden Project’ The Big Lunch project has seen thousands of people eat together since its launch in 2009. It was taken forward among churches by the ecumenical HOPE project which encourages churches to impact their communities.

Along with the Big Jubilee Lunch, the church is also championing ‘The Big Thank You project.’

This will give everyone a special chance to thank The Queen, who is also the Church of England's Supreme Governor, for her 60 years of service, by adding their comments and signature to thank you letters which will be displayed in cathedrals and churches.

Containing an introductory paragraph by diocesan bishops, the letters give the public a chance to say a few words of appreciation, the letters will then be compiled into one Big Thank You letter and delivered to Buckingham Palace.

As we have previously reported, many churches will also be lighting up special gas fired beacons in celebration of the Jubilee.