The Queen's Message on Christmas Day
The Queen began by noting the centenary of the Royal Air Force and recalled the First World War which ended 100 years previously. She also referenced royal weddings and births as well as the seventieth birthday of the Prince of Wales.
She said that faith, family, and friendship have been a source of continuous comfort and reassurance to her. She also recalled the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London and the goals of the Commonwealth and its principles of mutual respect and cooperation.
The Queen feels that peace and goodwill need to be heeded as much as ever, and people should respect each other even when they harbour deeply held differences.
She believes that the message of peace on Earth and goodwill to all is never out of date, can be heeded by everyone and is needed as much as ever.
The Queen concluded with:
"Even with the most deeply held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good step toward greater understanding.”
This aligns well with Rotary’s Four-Way Test, our non-partisan and non-sectarian ethical guide to apply in our personal and professional relationships.