From Rev'd Rob Gillion, Area Dean of Chelsea and Rector of Holy Trinity Church

Chris, what a wonderful night we had in Hyde Park celebrating Elvis the man and his music.

I was delighted to offer a blessing backstage for the concert which was a blast.

I was wondering what Elvis might have said if he had been invited to offer a Pause for Thought. Well I thought I’d share some quotes from Elvis related to his faith.

“I aint no saint, but I’ve tried never to do anything that would hurt my family or offend God – I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs. If I could do anything that would give some kid that feeling. I would believe I had contributed something to the world.”.

“Music is like religion – when you experience them both it should move you”.

And, of course Elvis was greatly moved by gospel music. Apparently whenever he wanted to prepare for a recording session or a concert he would do so by singing gospel because he claimed it put his mind “at ease”.

So it’s not surprising that he said:
“Gospel music is the purest thing there is on this earth.”

And a couple more quotes:
“I believe in the Bible. I believe that all good things come from God. I don’t believe I’d sing the way I do if God hadn’t wanted me to.”
“Whatever I will become will be what God has chosen for me”

All these quotes are Elvis expressing his personal belief and I think they also encapsulate the Christian message– that when we put our faith in God, we can be sure that whatever happens, God will not abandon us.

After all Elvis didn’t have a trouble free life, but those who knew him claim that his faith was important to him right to the end. He believed he had a God given gift to make music, and this music appeared to provide him with a deeper spiritual dimension to his life.

And now for his last quote:
“Until we meet again, may God bless you as he has blessed me.”

Elvis the Evangelist!