Queen Elizabeth launches Diamond Jubilee year with multifaith reception

LONDON 21 February 2012 - members of nine religions at a special gathering to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

At a reception held at Lambeth Palace – official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury –, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Muslims, Baha'is , Sikhs and Zoroastrians discussed their beliefs with the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, and showed them treasured objects from the various faiths.

The reception held on 15 February was one of the Queen's first public engagements to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee year.

Addressing the gathering, the Queen said, "Faith plays a key role in the identity of millions of people, providing not only a system of belief but a sense of belonging."

"Our religions provide critical guidance for the way we live our lives and for the way in which we treat each other."

"It can act as a spur for social action. Indeed religious groups have a proud track record of helping those in the greatest need."

The Queen concluded by sending good wishes to each of the faith groups represented by the guests, "in the hope that – with the assurance of the protection of our Established Church – you will continue to flourish and display strength and vision in your relations with each other and the rest of society."

I WILL SERVE YOU AS LONG AS I LIVE

"I will serve you as long as I live." This is the timeless commitment of Queen Elizabeth, that is now celebrating the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne.
In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, the Queen has taken up the themes of the Christmas message, based on family values and good neighborliness. "I thank you for your wonderful support," she told the citizens, saying that "in this special year I hope that everyone will remember the power of being together."

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