New liturgy authorised by the Archbishop of Canterbury for the Coronation of King Charles III on May 6 includes several new elements reflecting the theme of serving others as well as recognising and celebrating the contribution of diverse communities.

The Liturgy, which means a particular set of words, music, and actions used in ceremonies in some religions, especially Christianity, features some new elements and the participation of people of all ages and many faiths and backgrounds.

Importance of young people will be highlighted

At the opening of the service, The King will be greeted by one of the youngest members of the congregation – a Chapel Royal chorister – to whom The King will say the words: “In His name and after His example, I come not to be served but to serve.” This new element underscores the importance of young people in British society.

Members of other faith traditions will play an active role

The Presentation of the Regalia will be made by Members of the House of Lords, as well as Senior Bishops in the Church of England. And for the first time, some of these items – those which have no Christian meaning or symbolism – will be presented by Peers who belong to different faith traditions: Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism.

As a new element, The King will receive and acknowledge a spoken greeting delivered in unison by Representatives from Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Buddhist communities at the end of procession.

And for the first time, the Coronation service will include other languages associated with the British Isles – with a prayer in Welsh and a hymn (Veni Creator) sung in Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic.

Female bishops will participate the service for the first time

Another first is the participation of female bishops in the Coronation.

The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London; The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover and the Bishop in Canterbury; and The Right Reverend Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford, will all play a role in the Coronation Service.

The King will pray aloud to reflect his duty to serve all communities

The theme of service to others, which runs through this Coronation Liturgy, is reflected in the Epistle chosen by the Archbishop of Canterbury for this Coronation, which will be Colossians 1:9-17.

Following recent tradition of British Prime Ministers giving readings at State occasions – as Head of the host Nation’s Government – this will be read by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Before The King takes the Coronation Oath, in newly-written wording the Archbishop of Canterbury will explain that the Church of England will seek to foster an environment where “people of all faiths and beliefs may live freely.”

In another unique moment in the history of Coronations, The King will pray aloud in the Abbey using words specially written for the occasion that reflect the duty and privilege of the Sovereign to serve all communities.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: “The Coronation is first and foremost an act of Christian worship.

“The signs, symbols and language we use remind us that our God is the Servant King.

“By his anointing in this service, His Majesty King Charles III is set apart to fulfil his vocation of service and duty to us all.

“This is the character of kingship today.

“I am delighted that the service will recognise and celebrate tradition, 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 that reflect the diversity of our contemporary society.

“It is my prayer that all who share in this service, whether they are of faith or no faith, will find ancient wisdom and new hope that brings inspiration and joy.”

(Source: The Archbishop of Canterbury)

(Image: Twitter)