Rishi Sunak, the first Prime Minister of Indian heritage in the UK, is set to read from the biblical book of Colossians at the Coronation of King Charles III, in line with the recent tradition of British Prime Ministers giving readings at state occasions. The ceremony, to be held at Westminster Abbey on May 6, will feature members of other faith traditions playing an active role in the service for the first time, as part of a multi-faith theme.
Lambeth Palace, the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, confirmed that the Archbishop has selected Colossians 1:9-17, which speaks to the theme of service to others and the loving rule of Christ over all people and things, as the new Epistle for the Coronation. Sunak, as head of the host nation’s government, will read this passage.
The Coronation Liturgy, designed to reflect the changes in the UK since Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953, features the overall theme of “Called to Serve,” which reflects the commitment that the King will make to serve God and the people of the United Kingdom.
As part of the ceremony, the monarch will pray aloud in the Abbey, using words specially written for the occasion to reflect the “duty and privilege of the Sovereign to serve all communities.” The presentation of the regalia will also feature members of the House of Lords and, for the first time, some of the items with no Christian meaning or symbolism will be presented by peers from different faith traditions: Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism.
The service will close with the King receiving a spoken greeting delivered in unison by representatives from Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, and Buddhist communities. The ceremony will also feature the historic “English Coronation Rite” with its five elements taking place within the traditional structure of a service of Holy Communion.
The Coronation of King Charles III will thus be a celebration of tradition as well as an opportunity to reflect the diversity of contemporary society.