HM The Queen attends service of Holy Communion at the Inauguration of the 9th General Synod

Monday, 22nd November 2010

Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh attended a Service of Holy Communion at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday 23rd November 2010 to mark the Inauguration of the 9th General Synod of the Church of England.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr Rowan Williams, presided at the service at which the Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu, was also present.

The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, The Right Honourable Kenneth Clarke QC MP was also present.

William Fittall, Secretary General of the General Synod of the Church of England, read Acts 15: 22-29 and the Archbishop of York read Luke 24: 28-35.

The sermon was given by Dame Mary Tanner DBE, a president of the World Council of Churches.

Prayers of Intercession were led by Charlotte Cook, Edward Keene and Rebecca Swinson, representatives of the Church of England Youth Council.

The service was sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by Robert Quinney, Sub Organist. The organ was played by James McVinnie, Assistant Organist. An opening fanfare was played by the State Trumpeters of the Blues and Royals led by Trumpet Major Timothy West. Edward Tambling, Organ Scholar, played before the service.