SWINDON, England (UBS), April 9, 2002 — James Catford, the Chief Executive of the British and Foreign Bible Society, has paid a special tribute to the Queen Mother, its patron of almost 60 years, who died on March 30.
Describing her as "a strong Christian believer", he said she had helped to give "a high profile to Bible Society's work the world over."
"The Queen Mother was a great advocate for Bible Society and will be truly missed," he added. Mr Catford was among the representatives of the many charities which the Queen Mother actively supported to attend her funeral in Westminster Abbey.
In May 1986 she performed the official opening ceremony of the new Bible House in Swindon. Those who attended still fondly remember the occasion and a signed, commemorative portrait of her hangs in the reception area.
The Society is currently displaying a message of condolence on its web site which reads, "It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who was patron of Bible Society. We send our deepest sympathy to Her Majesty [the Queen] at this very sad time."
The web page also recalls the pageant held at Horse Guards' Parade, London, in July 2000, in the presence of the Queen Mother, to celebrate her 100th birthday. More than 100 Society staff and members of their families joined UK-based staff of UBS in paying tribute to her and carried a series of banners proclaiming 'The Bible, for everyone, always, forever'.
Fittingly, the brief message on the web site ends with a quotation from Scripture: "I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. So a crown will be given to me for pleasing the Lord. He judges fairly, and on the day of judgment he will give a crown to me and to everyone else who wants him to appear with power." (2 Timothy 4: 7-8 CEV)
The Society is also recommending suitable Bible passages for inclusion in the national newspapers on the day of the funeral. The address of the web site of the British and Foreign Bible Society is http://www.biblesociety.org.uk .
Source: United Bible Societies
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