The office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Reverend Justin Welby, announced that Rishi Sunak will give a reading from the biblical book of Colossians at the Coronation of King Charles III.
This follows the recent tradition of British Prime Ministers giving readings at State occasions.
Despite being a practicing Hindu, Sunak’s reading from the Bible aligns with the multi-faith theme of the Christian ceremony.
In addition, for the first time, members of other faith traditions will have an active role in the service, according to Lambeth Palace.
“The Archbishop of Canterbury has selected a new Epistle for this Coronation, which will be Colossians 1:9-17.
This passage has been chosen to reflect the theme of service to others. Also the loving rule of Christ over all people and all things, which runs through this Coronation Liturgy,” Lambeth Palace said.
British Prime Ministers Giving Readings at State Occasions
The office stated that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will read from the biblical book of Colossians at the Coronation of King Charles III, in accordance with the recent tradition of British Prime Ministers giving readings at State occasions, as Head of the host Nation’s government.
By longstanding tradition, the Archbishop of Canterbury authorises a new Liturgy – or the form according to which a public religious worship takes place – for every Coronation.
The three oaths the King at the heart of the service remain unchanged, including the promise to maintain “the Protestant Reformed Religion”.
The Liturgy has an overall theme of “Called to Serve”, which intends to reflect the King’s commitment to serve God and the people of the United Kingdom.
“I am delighted that we will recognize and celebrate tradition in the service. Speaking to the great history of our nation, our customs, and those who came before us. At the same time, the service contains new elements. Elements that reflect the diversity of our contemporary society,” said Welby.
According to his office, the design of the service reflects the changes in the UK. Changes since Charles’ mother Queen Elizabeth II‘s Coronation in 1953, the character of Britain as it is today, and the Church of England’s role in contemporary society.
As one of the newer elements, the 74-year-old monarch will pray aloud in the Abbey using words specially written for the occasion . The words will reflect the “duty and privilege of the Sovereign to serve all communities”.