6 November 2026
The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, the Bishop of Chelmsford, has shared a reflection for Remembrance 2026.
For over 100 years, alongside the many different Remembrance Day services which have taken place at war memorials and churches across our nation, Veterans, members of the Royal Family and others have gathered at the Royal Albert Hall for the annual Festival of Remembrance. As they do so once again this year, there will be an opportunity to reflect together on the theme of ‘Service in a changing world’.
The fast-paced nature of change is evident in so much of our daily lives. We see all too clearly the impact of changes to our climate, politics and economy, together with the ways in which technology, especially AI, is reshaping how many of us work and communicate.
When all around us is in such flux, it’s good and important to take the opportunity to mark and give thanks for some of the unchanging foundations of our common life. And during this season of Remembrance, that will include a particular focus on thanksgiving for those who have dedicated their lives and service in the cause of peace.
More widely, we can perhaps also echo the words of King David in the Psalms, who gave thanks for the unchanging love and presence of God, the one who was his “rock, fortress and deliverer” - the one in whom he sought refuge even in the midst of great peril. To give thanks also to the God who, in the words of the well-loved hymn, promises to hold and sustain us through all the changing scenes of life.
So this year, once again, we pay our respects and give thanks for those whose dedication to duty and service brought us peace. And as we try to navigate our way through the many changes and challenges of the world today, praying especially that peace may prevail in our time, may it be that we remain deeply rooted in the unchanging love of God, who creates, redeems and sustains each one of us.
