We were so proud to see Shemara Fletcher- one of the founding members of our multi-faith chaplaincy- share a prayer of comfort with the nation for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
During her time at LDE UTC, Shermara helped to set up and cultivate our multifaith chaplaincy to become an environment where both learners and staff can comfortably express their faith. Shemara accomplished great things during her time at the chaplaincy, including setting up the college choir who went on to sing at Lambeth Palace and working with Citizens UK on a campaign to stop pay day loans sharks from targeting university students. She now works with Churches Together in England; an organisation that supports and encourages churches from a wide range of traditions.
I had the privilege of speaking with Shemara following her involvement in her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral...
Could you share with me the importance of your faith?
I have a faith that I want to be real, authentic. A faith that goes into public life, goes into schools, goes into the world. I don't want a faith that's just sitting in the four walls of the church, but rather a faith that makes a difference and allows you to love and reach so many different types of people. It was truly a privilege that at the funeral, we were able to share our faith with over 4.1 billion people.
What work have you done with Churches Together in England which led for you to be involved in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral?
Churches Together in England are the national ecumenical body, so we bring 52 different denominations or church organisations together. The purpose is to create unity, for churches to engage with each other, share resources and build friendships and relationships. Within that I have responsibility for helping Pentecostal and charismatic Christians engage with other Christians across the country.
I was invited to the funeral as a representative of Churches Together in England then I was invited to take part in the prayer. It was an incredible honour to be able to share a word of comfort with the family, the nation and ultimately the world.
How did it feel to be involved in in a day like that such an important and historic day?
It was such a momentous occasion. It was phenomenal... soldiers marching, the blowing of the trumpets, the crown, the family, the Prime Ministers of the country, kings and queens, heads of state.
I just felt so humbled to be there, in my role and capacity to share the prayer. It was very clear that the Queen had a living faith and that she wanted her faith to be the forefront of everything she did. I was a bit nervous, but as soon as I stood on the stage and went to speak, all the nerves went, and I said the prayer. I wanted people to know- both in the service and through the screen across the globe- that God can comfort you in your grief.
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