Archbishop Don Tamihere and Archbishop Philip Richardson have expressed their condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

Their message follows in full below.

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We are saddened to hear that Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96, after more than 70 years of dedicated service to her people. 

We give thanks for Her Late Majesty's constant witness to her Christian faith, and for her grace, human warmth and intellect that have come to be well known in the Anglican Church and in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia by those who were privileged to meet her. 

We recognise too that while the world grieves, there is a family who have lost a mother, a grandmother, and a great grandmother: a family matriarch who will be deeply mourned and deeply missed.

We pray for the repose of her soul, and for consolation and comfort to King Charles III and all the members of the Royal Family at this time.

Rest eternal grant unto her O Lord, and may light perpetual shine upon her.

May she rest in peace and rise in Glory. Amen

Most Rev Don Tamihere, Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia

Most Rev Philip Richardson, Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia