Welcome to the website for the Diocese of Rochester

We are the Church of England in the areas of Medway, north west Kent and the London Boroughs of Bromley and Bexley. A diverse and vibrant community of faith, we are Called Together to Grow disciples, Enrich our communities and Resource each other in our mission and ministry.

On the announcement of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip

It is with a sense of sorrow that the Diocese of Rochester has learned of the death of HRH Prince Philip.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family as we join together to mourn his passing, giving thanks for a long life of service to God, to nation and to commonwealth.

Bishop James, Bishop Simon and the Dean of Rochester Cathedral have shared the following message:

"It is with great sadness that we have learned the news of the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.

Our most sincere condolences on behalf of the Diocese of Rochester, have been expressed to Her Majesty The Queen and other members of the Royal Family.

Prince Philip’s long life and his unstinting support of the Queen over more than 70 years of marriage have contributed immensely to the life of the nation at home and abroad. 

He will also be remembered for his personal initiatives and support in many spheres, not least his encouragement of young people, particularly with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, founded in 1956.

His Royal Highness’ death will be deeply felt by many.

Prayers will be offered in Rochester Cathedral and in churches and chaplaincies across the diocese. Flags around the diocese will be flown at half-mast during the period of mourning.

May we invite you to join us in remembering His Royal Highness in prayer with these words:

Blessed Jesus,
Lord of Lords and King of Kings,
we give you thanks
for the life of Philip, Duke of Edinburgh .
for the grace and mercy
he received from you,
for his faithful love and support
of Her Majesty, The Queen,
and his service to this nation
at home and abroad.
Enfold him in your everlasting arms
grant him rest
and raise him up at the last
in the company of the saints in light. Amen
 
We remember, too, the Royal Family in their bereavement.
 
O God, our sovereign and shepherd,
who brought again your Son, Jesus Christ,
from the valley of death,
comfort, we pray,
The Queen and all the Royal Family
with your protecting presence.
Fill them with your Holy Spirit;
and with your heavenly peace;
and bring them at the last
to your everlasting kingdom;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Further information

Due to Covid-19, physical books of condolence are not available, however you can offer a message of condolence online. Online condolence books are available on:

• The Church of England's website here: www.churchofengland.org; and
• on The Royal Family's website at: www.royal.uk/

Please also visit our Facebook page @CofERochester or Twitter @SeeOfRochester where we're also sharing the latest information.

Visit the Rochester Cathedral website for details of their opening times and services: www.rochestercathedral.org

Information if you are a parish

Please look out for regular communication from the Diocese via email. Or if you have a question, please email: communications@rochester.anglican.org. or contact your local Archdeacon.

• To access advice on bell-ringing please visit The Central Council of Church Bellringers website here
• To access advice on flag flying please visit the Flag Institute website here
• To access a photo and prayer cards please our Flickr page here.
• Official liturgial resources for churches are available on the Church of England website here.
• Download the Church of England's guidance document for parishes here