She was crowned “defender of the faith and supreme governor of the church of England,” but Queen Elizabeth II’s public ownership of her faith extended beyond the official descriptor.
Many Christians around the world admired the late queen’s public witness and legacy.
But one Christian, an American living in London, is using the queen’s passing as an opportunity to tell others about Jesus Christ.
Ashlyn Portero, director of groups and partnerships at Redeemer Queen’s Park Church about 10 miles from Buckingham Palace and formerly executive director of City Church in Tallahassee, Florida said of the Queen, “I think people who are Christians are so grateful for the way that she spoke about her faith and you see lots of different quotes where she has been driven and sustained and inspired by the teachings of Christ and by her faith.”
She also stood in a long line last week to lay flowers on the lawn outside Buckingham Palace.
And while she waited she talked to other mourners about their ultimate hope in eternity.
She told Baptist Press, “It sparks thoughtful conversations. One thing I’ve heard a lot of people say is that she has lived and reigned for so long, that you almost think she’s immortal. And so that’s a good time to prompt a conversation that actually she is (immortal) in heaven, because of her faith.”
Redeemer Queen’s Park has not held any official outreach in response to the death but has taken opportunities like Portero’s to start Gospel conversations.