2017 A Service of Celebration for Commonwealth Day

Good afternoon and welcome to Westminster Abbey for a special

service to celebrate the 52 nations of the Commonwealth

This service is held every year at Westminster Abbey and today

Our relationship with the Commonwealth stretches

back decades, but it could be that it is about to assume

Soon, with our upcoming exit from the European Union,

Britain's place in the world will change forever.

We'll be looking for new partners and new relationships

as well as endeavouring to renew and refresh some of our traditional

alliances and representatives from those old alliances will be

The Commonwealth has been the most enduring achievement

of The Queen's reign and today, here at Westminster Abbey,

it will be celebrated as it is every year.

But this year of all years it may be with renewed vigour

with an eye on Britain's future as much as our past.

Well, as Head of the Commonwealth the Queen will lead the congregation

With her will be the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales

and the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry.

The Commonwealth has always been hugely important to the Queen

in a very personal way, and she has passed that

commitment down to the younger members of her Family.

Last year Prince Harry visited seven Commonwealth countries

The Royal Family's attendance here today, and every year,

reflects their continued support of the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth has an exceptionally young population.

Of the its two and a half billion people, 60% are under 30-years-old.

So gathered here in the congregation are over 600 school children,

reflecting the Commonwealth's commitment to youth.

They recognise that the continued success of the Commonwealth

rests with the young promoting its principles and values.

As you would expect from an association that spans

almost every corner of the globe today's service has

There will be music and readings from across the Commonwealth.

Baroness Scotland is playing a significant role in today's

proceedings. Patricia Scotland made history by becoming the sixth

Secretary-General and I know Secretary-General you have referred

to yourself as a classic child of the Caribbean. How does that

background prepare you for this role? Well, of course, because I've

always been a child of the Commonwealth. I've got an Antiguan

father. I was born in Dominic ka, but I grew up in the United Kingdom.

Classic Commonwealth territory. And it makes me so proud now to be here

as Secretary-General, head of the secretariat and sefring all 52

countries in our Celt and 2.4 billion people. You've been serving

that many people for almost a year now and in those 12 months so much

has changed. How do you think the Commonwealth has to adapt to the

challenges? I think one of the great things about the Commonwealth is 60%

of our citizens are beneath the age of 30. So young, vibrant, forward

looking, their future is all there before them and now the people say

if the Commonwealth didn't exist we'd to make it up. We've got six

regions, all races, all colours, all nationalities within our

Commonwealth, but just as importantly, we share common

language, common institutions and common values and that's binding us

together and that friendship has been absolutely phenomenal. Is that

where the Commonwealth draws it's main strength from? I think it is

because we have so much in common and we have been together for so

many years that that nexus is really tight and binds us and this year we

are doing a peace building Commonwealth. We are starting with

peace in our home. One in three women will suffer from domestic

violence at some stage. We would like to reverse that and we want the

Commonwealth to be right up there in front, planning, and working

together, trying to decide what works and what doesn't work and then

doing that which works to make us a safer, better, more peaceful

Commonwealth. Secretary-General, thank you very much. We look forward

to hearing your affirmation later. Thank you.

Watching this service with me, sitting Inside Westminster Abbey is

Dr Sue Onslow, we heard from Baroness Scotland. She is the

Secretary-General, but if we take a step back, how important do you

think the Commonwealth really is? Well, in these days of conflict

politics, more than ever. The Commonwealth is an extraordinary

people organisation. It's an association that relies on multiple

connections across the world and it's an opportunity for people to

work together. It works by consensus and by peer encouragement rather

than coercion and compulsion and its DNA is everyone has an equal voice

and I think right now, we need the politics and activities that foster

co-operation. It is interesting you say that because it is a pivotal

time, isn't it, with the Prime Minister intending to notify the

European Union of Britain's intention to withdraw from the EU

very shortly. This is a rapidly changing world. Given the context,

what role do you think the Commonwealth can play? The modern

Commonwealth is, it is not a nostalgic organisation. It grew out

of Britain's relations with its former colonies, but it is a

different entity now. It is a political organisation as well as a

developal association and it works in multiple ways, strengthening,

democracy in its member states and on the big themes that touch

people's lives every day. The Secretary-General made reference to

women's rights and issues. Issues of climate change to support youth, so

much of the Commonwealth's work goes on below the surface. It is like an

iceberg. Its professional associations of which there are over

80 form a Matrix of networks across the world, covering professions,

judges, lawyers, Local Government, Parliament. Sharing knowledge and

expertise. So, a lot of people might think of the Commonwealth as quite a

quaint organisation, something with its roots in the past. But with not

very much of a presence in the present. Is that fair? I don't think

it is. I understand why you might think that, but I go back to my

point about it being an iceberg. It has hard-headed practical value as

well as important spiritual and political value in terms of its

support for the values within the Commonwealth Charter. So, it has, as

I said, a relevance in today's world, more than ever before. Well,

one of the most established and well-known institutions of the

Commonwealth must be the Commonwealth Games and this morning,

we saw the start of the Queen's Baton Relay from Buckingham Palace.

The 288 day journey began when Anna Mears had the privilege of accepting

the baton from Her Majesty the Queen.

APPLAUSE Anna is joined by fellow

international cycling great and nine times world champion, Great

Britain's Victoria Pendleton. Its third baton bearer is Cody

Simpson. A van arrives outside the gates of

Buckingham Palace to take the baton on the next stage of its journey.

And we can see the combi van on the last part of its journey coming up

to Westminster Abbey. Bringing that baton containing the message from

the Queen and Sue, it is interesting, isn't it, I suspect

that most people, when they think about the Commonwealth will think

about the Games? Commonwealth Games? Sport is a visual fun part of the

Commonwealth. We saw that in Glasgow in 2014 when Usain Bolt came and

sprinkle his stardust on the Commonwealth Games. I'm looking at

the surf board on the back of the combi van. In the Commonwealth small

countries are able to compete at respected credible international

level. There are 23 small states in the Commonwealth and may have

limited training and coaching resources so competing at

Commonwealth level really is an important afamation. We see Dame

Jessica Ennis-Hill arriving with the Queen's baton. The global superstar,

of course, world heptathlon champion and herself a participant in the

Commonwealth Games and the Youth Games from 2004. The Commonwealth

has an exceptionally young population, doesn't it, Sue, in a

way it is not surprising that sport would be central to its identity?

Well, sport helps young people connect with the Commonwealth in a

unique way and wise Commonwealth heads have long realised this. As I

said, it offers the point of team building. It supports peace

building. All part of that bigger jigsaw of the Commonwealth's work

and of course, there is also cricket which is such an enjoyable sport

across the Commonwealth. And inpenetrable who anyone that's not a

member of it. We can see the baton being held by Dame Jessica

Ennis-Hill. The two of them are followed by a procession of

Commonwealth athletes. Included in the group is the Australian track

cyclist Anna Mears who shared a friendly rivalry with Victoria

Pendleton and also is Kurt Fearnley who will be reading later on in the

service. Cody Simpson is singing, who was at the age of 12 a gold

medal swimmer. # I think to myself what a wonderful

world. # We see the baton being placed on the

High Altar by the Dean of Westminster. It will remain there

for the duration of the service before it journeys across 70 nations

on its way to the Gold Coast Games in Australia.

# Saying how do you do. # But they're really saying I love

you. # I hear babies cry.

# They'll learn much more than I'll ever know.

# And I think to myself what a wonderful day."

There are many different facets of the Commonwealth reflected

Geri Horner is in the congregation. Geri brought along her ten-year-old

daughter, Bluebell. Geri tell us about your experiences of travelling

to Commonwealth countries? Well, first of all, it's such a pleasure

to be here and really celebrate each other and I think by having the

opportunity to travel, which is a gift, you suddenly see the beauty in

our differences, but we are alike as well. It is a wonderful thing to do.

There is such a focus on the Commonwealth on gender parity as

well and it's now more than two decades since the Spice Girls came

to the mainstream and really brought feminism back into popularity. Does

it surprise you that the fight for women's rights is so central at the

moment, on centre stage geopolitically? If we look back to

the suffragettes they had to really speak up and it is one of those

things you have to keep reminding. Of course, we want to live in a

society where everybody is equal, whatever gender you are, whatever

colour you are, whatever sex you are and that's a beautiful place to live

and I think, you know, it's about education really, isn't it?

Sometimes we need reminding and educating and I think that comes

with kindness and just encouragement, some people just need

catching up, that's the way it is. There are more than 600 kids in the

congregation today. What would your message be to them? If any young

kids are watching now, you have the power to change the world. It starts

with you, your imagination and wonder and you have the power to do

it, just through reading and positivity. It can happen. I think

so. Geri Horner and Bluebell thank you. Thank you, it's lovely to be

here. Sonali, thank you. We are looking now at the 52 flags from the

52 nations of the Commonwealth as they process through the Abbey,

accompanied by music from the Commonwealth Resounds. The flags are

carried in the order that the countries joined the Commonwealth,

so the two you see at the back, Mozambique Andhra Wanda, the most

recent countries -- Rwanda. They have no historical connection to the

British Empire, interestingly. Dr Sue Onslow, that's fascinating. How

is it that they come to be in the Commonwealth? It may seem strange

but there is a logic. The Commonwealth supported Mozambique

after its independence, it was a frontline state in the struggle

against apartheid South Africa and it was thanks to Nelson Mandela that

Mozambique came to join in the 1990s. Rwanda was encouraged by

Uganda to join to support the progress Rwanda made since the

catastrophe of the genocide in 1994. And how unusual is that for

countries to join? Is it the case that there are countries leaving as

well? Yes, but it's not a revolving door. The Commonwealth does have

standards to which member countries are held. Those who transgress are

monitored by a Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group. And

countries like Fiji and Pakistan have left and then joined again. The

Gambia is going to be encouraged to join again. And we can see before us

the procession of the faith leaders. Faith Leaders Procession

largest annual inter-faith Leading the Zoroastrian Community

is Malcolm M Deboo. Representing the Baha'i Community

is Patrick O'Mara. Representing Orthodox Judaism

is Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis Representing the Jain Community

is Dr Natubhai Shah. Representing the Sunni Islam

Community is Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra. Representing Liberal Judaism

is Rabbi Rebeccas Birk Representing the Buddhist Community

is the Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala. Representing the Jewish

Reform Synagogues is Representing the Shia Muslim

Community is Moulana Razawi. Representing the Hindu

Community is Trupti Patel. Representing the Sikh Community

is Lord Singh of Wimbledon CBE. Then general comment

on representatives of We heard earlier from Baroness

Scotland. She's a truss tie of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee

Trust. It was established in 2012 to support those in need across the

Commonwealth. Once of its principal aims is to eliminate avoidable

blindness. We spoke to the Countess of Wessex to hear about the impact

this has had across the Commonwealth.

80% of the world's blind populations are living in Commonwealth

countries. The work of the Trust is profound. The goal is to eliminate

avoidable blindness. The dracoma initiative in Malawi has been having

unbelievable success rates. Dracoma is a bacteria which gets into the

eye, it's a horrible condition. It affects people of all ages. You

normally find it in rural areas. When it's not treated, the eye lid

is infected, which in the process turns the eye inside and the eye

lashes start to touch the eye ball leading to blindness. Maria's lived

with this condition for ten years which is quite a long time of pain,

a long time of not being able to provide for her household. She can't

even go and fetch water. The good thing is that she'll be able to get

surgery. Maria has been using a razor blade to cut the eye lashes

that have been disturbing her eyes. There were moments when she said,

I'd rather die than live with this pain. The surgery that can be

performed is very simple because they cut the eye lid and turn the

eye lid back out again so that it cannot turn inwards. It's very

effective, very low-cost treatment. There have been more surgeons

trained into how to do the basic surgery. Many millions have received

antibiotics and there's been a huge awareness campaign. My fellow

students, ladies and gentlemen, we...

By teaching the young ones how to prevent Trachoma, this is one of the

better ways of preventing it. We have been working with a number of

people guided by the Minister of Health. We are on the brink of

eliminating Trachoma which is a major milestone for the country. I'm

thrilled to be able to be travelling to Malawi very soon to be able to

see first hand the work that thief been carrying out and I'm looking

forward to saying thank you to the people that have been involved with

it because they worked extremely hard.

And Maria's surgery went well, the sutures are looking good and they

expect her to make a full recovery. She's very happy and relieved to no

longer be in pain. The Earl of Wessex, Prince Andrew

and Prince Harry all coming in and shaking hands with people in the

receiving line. All of them are active participants in the life of

the Commonwealth. Prince Harry, of course, visited seven Commonwealth

countries of the Caribbean in November last year, representing the

Queen, his grandmother. The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, who you can

see, a little behind him, behind the Dean of Westminster. He's the grand

President of the Royal Commonwealth ex-services league and the Earl of

Wessex, Prince Edward, behind him, is the vice patron of the

Commonwealth Games federation. Of course, his wife, the Countess of

Wessex is not here because she's on her way to Malawi as patron of the

Avoidable Blindness Association. Prince Harry there shaking hands

with the Prime Minister of Malta, Joseph Muscat. He is the chair in

office, with Malta having hosted the Commonwealth heads of Government

meeting in Malta. Lord Howell of Guildford and

Achaleke Christian Lek. Going back to Prince Harry's tour

last year of the Caribbean, he went to several countries, including

Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia and Barbados. He unveiled four

dedications to the Queen's Commonwealth canopy, which is a

global forestry project to preserve forest land for future generations.

He visited social projects like the nature fun ranch which allows people

to speak freely about important topics, including HIV AIDS. In

Barbados, he took an HIV test with the international star Rihanna,

encouraging others to get themselves tested.

Sue Onslow, watching these younger members of the Royal Family here

today, it shows how important the Commonwealth is to them? It does

indeed. The Queen has imBewled her love and devotion to the

Commonwealth among the younger mens of her family. -- members of her

family. She regards the Commonwealth as her life's work, she's exited

herself to it since 1952 and she really has been the invisible blue.

It's her version of identity politics which is inclusive rather

than exclusive. She takes it seriously and has passed this on.

Here is the Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Duchess of

Cornwall. The Prince of Wales has been a proud

supporter. The Duchess has accompanied him on every trip.

Sue, as we await the imminent arrival of the Queen, let's take a

moment to talk about the importance of her role as head of the

Commonwealth. The Queen has given the Commonwealth visibility, wisdom,

practical advice and support to help it smooth through the inevitable

rifts and political fights that have gone on within the family, such as

over apartheid South Africa, and she's conI believe the yewed

enormously to -- contributed to its cohesion and modernity. She's been a

unique, much-loved head. It's worth mentioning that, although the role

passed to Her Majesty the Queen from her father, the role of head of the

Commonwealth, it's not a role that will necessarily pass to Charles

when he becomes King? You are right, it's not a given that

Prince Charles will automatically take over as head of the

Commonwealth, although much of his life's work chimes in very much with

the modern Commonwealth's values and areas of activities. His work as

part of the Prince's Trust, his work on the environment and climate

change, all of these chime in with the Commonwealth's forward-looking

approach to the aspects of this which touch so many people's lives.

There's Prince Charles speaking to the wife of Joseph Muscat, the Prime

Minister of Malta. And it's obvious isn't it Sue that

the Royal Family have a real affection for the Commonwealth? They

do. It's added great pleasure, great interest, the opportunity to travel

and to meet so many different communities and nations across the

globe. It's really helped to balance the constraints of being

constitutional-month-old -- constitutional Monarch. We can

see people in the congregation as we await the arrival of the Queen.

There is the Prime Minister, Theresa May. She will host the next

Commonwealth heads of Government meeting or CHOGM as it's known next

year in the UK. She'll take over as chair in office in the Commonwealth.

Another famous face in the audience, that of the singer Annie Lennox who

addressed the congregation at the service in 2011. She's a spokeswoman

and advocate for HIV related causes. Sir John Major, the former British

Prime Minister who had a key role to play in the Commonwealth under

Margaret Thatcher during the period of apartheid in South Africa during

the late 1980s. And Sue, he is somebody who retains a great

affection for the Commonwealth isn't he? Very much so. John Major was

himself a consensus politician when he took over as British Prime

Minister. There was a collective breathing out among some

Commonwealth heads that Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was no

longer there because she was a divisive and controversial figure.

But Sir John Major's worked towards building Commonwealth activities.

He's of course himself a passionate follower of cricket. But he

supported helping debt forgiveness which was of serious practical value

to Commonwealth countries. We can see others. And now we see

the arrival of the car with Her Majesty the Queen. She is

accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh arriving in the sanctuary of

Westminster Abbey. The Queen is being introduced to

members of the clergy here at Westminster Abbey. The Dean of

Westminster Abbey, John Hall is at her side.

Dr Sue Onslow it is a fact, isn't it, that the life of the

Commonwealth almost exactly mirrors that of the reign of Queen

Elizabeth, so maybe it is no great surprise that it means so much to

her? The modern Commonwealth came into existence in 1949, but the

Queen had already made her vow to dedicate her life to it in 1947, but

yes, the Commonwealth has changed and grown with Her Majesty the

Queen. She, of course, is separate in her ceremonial role as Head of

the Commonwealth. # Meet for him whose

love espoused thee # All thy streets

and all thy bulwarks # Bright thy gates

of pearl are shining # Who for Christ's dear

Name in this world On behalf of the Dean and Chapter I

warmly welcome you to Westminster Abbey for our annual celebration of

the Commonwealth in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen whose role as

Head of the Commonwealth binds us together in peace. We celebrate this

year, the Commonwealth as a builder of peace. As we give thanks for the

diversity of faiths, of resources and circumstances in our countries,

we must pray that we maybe united in peace and friendship and together

promote peace in our divided world. So let us pray in the words of Jesus

for the coming of God's Kingdom of justice, and peace.

ALL: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.

And now an a capella performance from Canadian Soprano

# I looked over Jordan, what do I see

# We shall overcome. # We shall overcome.

# Deep in my heart I do believe we shall overcome one day. . .

# If you get there before I do, coming for to carry me home.

# Tell all my friends I'm coming home too.

# Come for to carry me home. # We'll walk hand-in-hand.

We'll walk hand-in-hand. # We'll walk hand-in-hand one day.

# One day in my heart I do believe we'll walk hand-in-hand one day.

And now a reflection from an extraordinary

young peace advocate, Achaleke Christian Leke.

This reading is personal to me. I've been a victim of radicalisation.

Growing up in a community, in the Republic of Cameroon, which was

plagued by real violence, insecurity. I told myself that my

future would never be shared by these atrocities. My journey for

peace began in Cameroon, a youth-led civil society organisation there.

Since then I've become an ambassador of change, a peace hero that's

determined to risk his life for peace if that is what it takes. I

believe that peace is not the absence of war, but something that

we need in our hearts. Diversity is in the DNA of the Commonwealth.

Peace runs in its veins. Despite our religion, cultural, age, colour,

class or gender - there are many of us risking our lives to bring about

peace and make a change. Looking back to Gandhi, Mandela and Bob

Marley, we remain inspired by those people and stand strong against any

form of violence. It takes each of us and the tools we have at our

disposal, using our voice, sports, arts, story-telling and music. We

can promote peace. Investing in young people and ensuring the role

of our youth is just as important. To achieve peace, we must educate

our peers to understand that, despite our race, religion or

culture, we are equal. Be you a man or woman, young or old, poor or

rich, we are all equal. We are one people. Together, let us stand for

love, tolerance, justice and peace. Today, I am using my experience to

provide innovative solutions to violence, using my transformation to

connect and transform young people. My team and I work with young people

on the streets, correction centres, prisons, schools and communities,

building their skills and asking them to open their eyes against

violence and calling upon our Government to provide solutions.

Using violence to fight violence as a means of peace-building is not the

best practice. I am glad to see the civil part to peace gaining grounds.

Across the Commonwealth, we have evidence of young people, many

unpraised and unheard of, working daily and tirelessly to promote

peace. Today, I see a new generation of young change-makers, united on

the one front. We preach Gandhi's philosophy. He said, nonviolence is

the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It's mightier than the

mitiest weapon of destruction, devised by the ingenuity of man.

Young people cannot do this alone. We must partner with our Governments

to uphold human rights, democracy and good governance. I stand here to

call on our Governments to support and take new partnerships seriously,

Fortis the only solution to end the cycle of violence. I am excited by

the presence of young people here today. -- for It is. Young people

who have their futures before them. I have this message for you - I have

seen the violence even in the UK and I have tasted the honey of peace. I

am convinced peace is the only way to achieve sustainable development.

Peace is possible. I have made peace my personal business. Will you?

Together, we can make a difference. Join me on this juernny of change --

journey of change. The path may be difficult and dangerous, but

together we'll make the world a better and more peaceful place.

Thank you very much. APPLAUSE.

The Choir will now sing O Hearken, a piece composed by Roxanna Panufnik

whose son is singing in the choir today.

ANTHEM: O Hearken composed by Roxanna Panufnik.

The Maltese poet Immanuel Mifsud will now

read his own poem entitled 'The Book.'

Tomorrow open the old book your mother gave you.

Mind, open it carefully; from between pages a dawn

will emerge, unlike any you've ever seen.

Once the sun's risen, get up, walk about that

You'll find between pages hills to climb, rivers to forge.

And gather a fistful of red, red soil.

Halfway through the book you'll meet the sea.

There is land still; look, there on the page you'll be turning

And I will be there on the edge of the rocks, waiting with bread

and water; waiting to welcome you, embrace, hold your hand.

We shall walk; tell each other stories, stories collected

The next page on, when we get to my home, we spread out that

precious red fistful of soil; place within it a seed, gently water it.

Turn the page: we look at the moon and wait.

And just as we are closing the book, a tree springs to life,

firm and verdant from the seed, from the soil, flourishing

between pages, pages of the old book that our mother gave us.

Kurt Fearnley will now read verses 4-9 of the Philippians.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

Let your gentleness be known to everyone.

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer

and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable,

whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing,

whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence

and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received

and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace

We'll hear now from Courtenay Cleary of Australia who'll play Bach.

Prime Minister Muscat, Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth,

will now give his reflection, read by the The Honourable Dr Joseph

Muscat, Prime Minister of Malta at theGreat Pulpit.

It is imperative that we remember that peace and reconciliation are

objectively possible. They can be achieved. Of course, they must not

be understood as goals that can be achieved once and for all.

Everywhere and at the same time. The long way to peace and reconciliation

is tortuous and difficult and is never over. The world today is

characterised by a number of fault lines between and within States.

Tensions along some of these fault lines have reached critical levels.

Instability has become the norm and uncertainty is the rule of the game.

More over, two factors are contributing to making this a very

dangerous world indeed. On one hand, terrorism embedded in religious

belief. On the other hand, the emergence of an intolerant populism

that feeds on the lack of knowledge and on racism. Both of them shun

reason, promote fanaticism and actively commit or indirectly

inincite violence. Both of these are models that have patently failed

inasmuch as they are insufficiently inconclusive and inclusive. Both of

them subscribe to a vision of history as an inevitable clash of at

least two incompatible civilisations. Both of them feed on

fear, of hate, of diversity. What can and what should the Commonwealth

realistically do in these difficult circumstances? One answer lies in

the uniqueness of the enduring bond that brought us here today.

Uniqueness that is not easy to explain. Although we can boast the

combined population of 2.4 billion. Although we represent 52 nation

States, our real stint lies elsewhere. It lies in the intensity

of our relationship throughout our modern history. A relationship that

has been by no means - indeed, the history of this relationship has

known joy, pride and communion. But also blood, sweat and tears.

Whilst we have all emerged with the keener sense of our historical

national identities, and the greater respect of each other's national

identity, we have also grown more wary of cynical attempts to appeal

to history to justify aggressive. It is an attempt to troll through the

past for moral justification. It is a case when the past is but the

sinners of the present. This relationship has taught us that

beyond the national interests and in spite of the pain and sometimes

bitterness that some experienced, there is a value in our peace and

reconciliation. Has it gone all the way? No, it has not. . It will only

have gone all the way when in each of our countries the value of the

individual dignity regardless of nationality ethnicity, social class

and opinion will truly be upheld and guaranteed. I want to single out the

respect for LGBT persons. The lack of it. The remarkable number of our

countries is arguably a considerable blot. I have had conversations and I

am aware there are leaders who know that things must change, but are

wary of how society would react to their first move. To them, I said

and I say, that the Commonwealth will be with them to help them make

the first bold steps. History, I am sure, will judge them positively

when they do so. A powerful contribution to peace and

reconciliation begins from the microdimension of the world. Global

and international relations are of course important and so are burning

national political issues, but the individuals immediate social

habitat, the home, is fundamental. There is a view delusional in my

opinion, amongst many throughout the world to imagine that social

progress is essentially a top down process in which politician and

technocrats engineer microchange and the positive outcome for this change

at the top simply percolates down by some sort of social force of

gravity. This is the sort of view that generates social exclusion. It

is the sort of view that justifies perception of the world, that are

effectively captured by well-known verses. Things fall apart. The

centre cannot hold. It is significant that the great

Commonwealth author chose to borrow a phrase from these verses as a

title for his classic 1958 novel Things Fall Apart. There can be no

solid and lasting international and national peace and reconciliation

unless it is built on the consciousness of millions of

individuals who value their own individual dignity, whose homes

enjoy the domestic peace based on equality and mutual respect of

genders and is free of domestic violence where women and children

are most of the time the main victims. Individuals who do not

value their own individual dignity, do not value the dignity of others.

Those who do not uphold these values tend to fuse into multitudes that

make up the base of extremist movements. These short reflections

would be incomplete without observing that in the treasure

throve of the wealth of our common experience together we also find

such noble qualities, a strength in the face of adversity and indeed,

great generosity. Certainly, the enthusism with which our mother

lands came together to resist the barbaric threat to civilisation

during the Second World War is a magnificent example of the ultimate

generosity and solidarity. Allow me to seize this opportunity to express

Malta's great pride in people's contribution to this effort. A

contribution we paid for dearly with blood and suffering, as many others

did. There is no scarcity of opportunity today for the world to

concretely show its appreciation of those who strive to survive in the

face of great adversity and to show concrete solidarity with them.

Conflict and economic failure are generating migration flows of

biblical proportions, with untold suffering for thousands. Many of

whom lose their lives in the process. We are in times of trouble.

Hours of darkness may confront us at any time. But lest we misunderstand

the words of wisdom of a song most of us can at least hum, our response

cannot simply be whispered as let it be. Our modders and fathers didn't.

Thank you. -- mothers and fathers didn't. Thank

you. British Ugandan George

the Poet performs a cover SONG: My Love Is Your Love

by George The Poet. # A waste is something

I was never sent to be # The future holds days that

I was never meant to see # What I'm trying to say

is I'll be dead eventually # And memories will be

the only evidence of me # That makes you everyone

else's best attempt to see # Exactly who I was,

that means you're testament to me # You might not have the same

features or complexion as me # But you are by far

the best reflection of me # Funny how we are joking

when everyone else is stuck up # You're behind every ounce

of courage I can pluck up # You know me when I'm "that guy",

love me when I'm bruck up # Help me when I'm racking my brains

trying to get my luck up # I need you, I could never

decide to go and move # And if you feel the same then it's

time to show and prove, cos # Your love is my love

and my love is your love # It would take an

eternity to break us # And the chains of Amos

Yas couldn't hold us # Your love is my love

and my love is your love # It would take an

eternity to break us # And the chains of Amos Yas

couldn't hold us # Whether it's making money

or spitting fire in the booth # My number one goal

is inspiring the youth # Please don't let this

world make you cold # I didn't make it but

I can make it better # How does a legacy last

after they forget us? # Just make sure your love

is the greatest ever # The rain germinates the seed

then the sun comes out # And in turn it

makes the leaves grow # But it's the gardener's job

to terminate the weeds though # Everything will be

fine just breathe slow # You give me the strength

to reject the things # Put me on such a high

it's close to divine # So whenever I'm with

you I find myself smiling # For no particular

reason most of the time # Cos whenever I'm with

you I find myself smiling # For no particular

reason most of the time # You put me on such a high

it's close to divine # Your love is my love

and my love is your love # It would take an

eternity to break us # And the chains of Amos

Yas couldn't hold us # Your love is my love

and my love is your love # It would take an

eternity to break us # Your everyone else's best attempt

to see. # You might not have the same

features or complexion of me. # But you are the best reflection of

me. # Thank you.

And now the congregation will sing Dear Lord and Father of Mankind.

HYMN: "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind".

# In simple trust like theirs who heard

He who devotes himself to this practice of meditation upon peace

sleeps happily, wakes happily, is calm in the senses, calm in the

mind, has a strong faith, is noble in intention. He is reveered by his

fellow beings. If he fails to have enlightenment in the present life,

he's bound for happiness in the future.

God of all creation, we stand in awe before you, impelled

We are children of many traditions-inheritors of shared

In that which we share, let us see the common prayer

of humanity; where we differ, let us wonder at human freedom;

in our unity and our differences, let us know the uniqueness

May our courage match our convictions and our

Om, let us both protect each other together.

May both of us put our energies together.

May our studies be radiantly glorious.

May peace radiate there in the whole sky, as well as in the vast

O Lord, save our world on fire with conflict and strife.

Let the healing kindness of your blessings save us,

Says Nanak, the path of peace lies in living true

Lord most high, we turn to you, beseeching you through your mercy

which encompasses all of creation, your light which revives

all hearts, and your love which provides us hope.

Make firm our unity as we stand together and amend our shortcomings

that we may be steadfast in what is to come.O

he who is tranquil, place in our hearts tranquility,

and in our actions, wisdom.O sustainer of the heavens

and of the earth, strengthen through your grace our common wealth

and clothe us in your virtues that we may be an example

of benevolence to one another, in your name, most glorified.

O almighty God, you have called us to faith and life,

and encourage us with such a great cloud of witnesses.

Grant that we, strengthened by the example of your saints,

may persevere in running the race that is set before us,

until at length we may receive with them the fullness

of your everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The next Anthem will be familiar to many of us as it was played

at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge,

# We will go into the house of the Lord

# For thither the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord

# To give thanks unto the Name of the Lord

# Even the seat of the house of David

# And plenteousness within thy palaces

# And plenteousness within thy palaces

# For my brethren and companions' sakes

Eus now stand to pledge ourselves afresh to uphold and serve the

values and fellowship of the Commonwealth.

We affirm our respect for nature, and that we will be stewards

of the earth by caring for every part of it, and for it as a whole.

We affirm our belief in justice for everyone, and peace

Joining together in kinship and affinity we celebrate

all that we receive and are able to share with one another

as members of the worldwide Commonwealth family,

delivering social progress, advancing democracy,

and building economic resilience with prosperity in

We cherish the spirit of respect and understanding that inspires us

as 'A Peacebuilding Commonwealth' to work for the eradication

of all forms of violence from homes and communities,

and with goodwill and cordiality for the comity of nations.

We stand in solidarity alongside the vulnerable and marginalised,

and all who live in fear of discrimination or oppression,

pledging to uphold their rights to justice and dignity.

ALL: We affirm our belief in the Commonwealth as a force

for good in the world, and pledge ourselves to its service,

And now for the final hymn, Crown Him With Many Crowns.

# Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne

# Hark, how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own

# Awake, my soul, and sing of him who died for thee

# And hail him as thy matchless King through all eternity #.

# Rich wounds yet visible above in beauty glorified

# No angel in the sky can fully bear that sight

# But downward bends his burning eye at mysteries so bright #.

# Crown him the Lord of peace, whose power a sceptre sways

# From pole to pole, that wars may cease

# And round his pierced feet fair flowers of paradise

# Extend their fragrance ever sweet #.

# Crown him the Lord of years, the Potentate of time,

# Creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime

# Glassed in a sea of light, where everlasting waves

Into God's gracious mercy and protection we commit you.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine

The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you,

and give you peace; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father,

the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain

And that marks the end of the service.

We are starting to see the young members of the choir and members of

the clergy process towards the exit of the Great West Door. The young

members of the choir attend the Abbey's residential choir school,

although they are involved in many of the Abbey's services, there were

eight boys singing for the Queen in the contest of the Commonwealth

service for the first time today. Sue Onslow, your reflections? That

service was a unique combination. It acknowledged other faiths, the

emphasis on shared spiritual values. For that, we have to thank Her

Majesty the Queen as head of the Commonwealth. It's been held in this

sacred space at Westminster Abbey since 1973 and it's highly unusual

and even more valid today if days of division and conflict. There was

such a variety of faiths of course, but also of performance? I was very

struck by the multiple themes and motives of peace coming through this

service, the unity of the colours of the Commonwealth flags, the flowers,

the flags themselves, Measha Brueggergosman's triumphant singing

of old songs of the oppressed in that vibrant sea of today and

freedom. Joseph Muscat's message that peace-building in all forms

needs commitment and hard work, it's a work in progress. I was watching

particularly the faces of the young people the way that they reacted to

Achaleke Christian Lek and George the Poet. They really did engage

with that fusion of personal experience, as well as poetry and

music. The Queen, we shouldn't forget is

not just of course our Queen, she's also Queen to 15 other Commonwealth

nations. That's important to her and important to them. Yes. We Brits

have to remember that we share our Queen. She's indeed Queen of 16

Commonwealth realms, as well as that separate role that she has add head

of the Modern Commonwealth. In travelling, as she has done across

the modern Commonwealth, since 1952 and the pleasure she's drawn from

meeting so many people, the diversity of experience that she's

been able to enjoy, and I have to say, it's the pleasure of meeting

the Queen that's been very evidently mutual, that part of the Queen's

role is to endorse and encourage the work of those who don't normally get

noticed, and she does it with great skill, great charisma and great

grace. She has visited 50 of the 52

Commonwealth countries, and Prince Philip has accompanied the Queen on

tours and state visits. The first of her visits was the Coronation tour

of the Commonwealth from November 1953 to May 1954. The couple

visited, amongst other countries, Bermuda, Jamaica, Panama, Fiji,

Uganda, Libya, Malta and Gibraltar. And Sue, the Queen does view her

role as Head of the Commonwealth, as being very distinct from her role as

Monarch of the UK? She does indeed. It is a separate originally symbolic

but now ceremonial role that she brings to it. She now opens the

Commonwealth heads of Government meeting. We saw the Mace in the

service which is there when the Queen performs ceremonial roles. The

Queen also holds audiences during Commonwealth heads of Government

meeting where she individually meets leaders. She has a private lunch for

new leaders and they value very much their chance to talk to her. And

there we see the Queen greeting performers whose performances she

clearly so enjoyed. Kohli Simpson there, the Australian singer, and

therefore that, Achaleke Christian Lek who we heard from earlier --

Cody Simpson. What an amazing young man Achaleke Christian Lek is.

And here we see the Queen with the Maltese writer, Immanuel misif you

had born in a post-independent Malta. He's given voice to the

country's growing identity. There speaking to Kurt Fearnley who we

heard giving a reading earlier. Kurt won Commonwealth silver in 2014 and

Commonwealth gold in 2010. There shaking hands with Courtenay Cleary,

the violinist. And with George the Poet. The British Ugandan singer,

poet. He gave a captive ating performance of Your Love can

Subpoena my Love -- captive ating. Sue, there is been a great emphasis

on young people and youth in today's service, but we should remember that

the Commonwealth charter includes a statement about a commitment to

gender equality. What does the Commonwealth do for women? It does a

range of activities, raising awareness, providing training and

support to promote political leadership, economic realm,

education access for girls, also working against violence in the

family, child marriage, forced marriage and FGM.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will be returning now to Buckingham

Palace while Prince Harry, the Duke of York and Earl of Wessex will be

making their way to a post-service reception while Prince Charles will

later travel to the Commonwealth secretariat for the

Secretary-General's reception. So further events going on on this

Commonwealth Day. And the Queen there having a word

with James O'Donnell who directed the choir today. She's just moved on

from him and speaking of course to some of the young choristers to whom

they must have given her such pleasure today.

So, we come to the end of this year's Commonwealth service which

has been, as it is every year, an event like no other in the

Westminster Abbey calendar, an eclectic mix of traditions, beliefs

and cultures. It's a bond that will be on display again next year at the

Commonwealth heads of Government meeting. But for the time being,

from all of us, it's goodbye.