HRH The Duke of Edinburgh – at times of national importance the church often brings people together as they reflect and express their feelings and faith.  Following the death of HRH The Prince Philip on Friday morning we will open the church for private prayer and reflection until the day of the funeral.  If you wish to use the church during this time please note the Covid-19 precautions in place.  

The Bishop of Blackburn has issued a statement which you can read below following the news.  

The Church of England has opened an online condolence book which you can contribute to following this link.

The Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Julian Henderson has issued the following short initial statement on the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
"We heard today the sad news of the death of The Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip was an incredible public servant, retiring only from public duties late into his 90s. He was also a very successful naval officer, an accomplished sportsman and a devoted husband over seven decades.
"His desire to reform British Industry to benefit the workers, his love for the outdoors which led to the award given in his name, and his support of the Church will be things which we will remember and have impacted the lives of many people.
"Our prayers must now be for Her Majesty the Queen, as hers have so often been for us, and for the wider royal family as they deal with this personal loss very much in the public eye.”

More information on how the Diocese of Blackburn will mark the life and death of The Duke of Edinburgh, including details of a Service of Thanksgiving at Lancashire's Anglican Cathedral in Blackburn on the Sunday before the funeral, will follow next week after the funeral date has been announced.  Due to the pandemic, numbers able to attend that service will be restricted so arrangements are being explored to livestream the service. There will also be similar livestreamed service at Lancaster Priory prior to the funeral; again, further details to come.