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Non-Christian faith leaders will play active role in coronation service for first time

Leaders from different faiths across the UK will have a key role in King Charles’ coronation, officials have confirmed – the first time in history that non-Christian faiths have been celebrated during the ceremony.

When Charles is crowned on 6 May at Westminster Abbey, leaders from Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, and Buddhist groups will deliver a greeting to the King in unison.

Sikh, Hindu, Muslim and Jewish peers will hand over items that of cultural and religious significance outside of Christianity when the King is presented with the Regalia.

The move reflects King Charles’ belief in promoting acceptance of different faiths and communities and championing interfaith dialogue, officials suggested.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, who will anoint and crown Charles during his coronation, described the service as “foremost an act of Christian worship” but said changes to the proceedings reflected the “diversity of our contemporary society”.

In a prayer before the King takes his oath, Mr Welby will tell the congregation that the Church of England will “foster people of all faiths and beliefs may live freely”.

The King had once said that he would like to be declared “defender of faith” rather than “defender of the faith” to reflect the diversity of British society, as the latter relates to the Anglican church. It is understood that there will be no changes to this title, however.

The ceremony will also see the inclusion of female Bishops for the first time, the use of Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish Gaelic languages, and the opportunity for those watching around the globe to join in and pay homage to the King.

Speaking seven days before Charles’ crowning, the Archbishop 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. In this weighty responsibility, the King will be supported by the loyal service of his wife, Queen Camilla.

“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.”

The Archbishop has followed a longstanding tradition of commissioning new coronation liturgy – the prayers and actions of the coronation service – which has the theme “Called to Serve”.

The senior cleric chaired an advisory group of theology, constitutional history and inter-faith relationships experts to draft the service, produced in close consultation with the King and the Government.

Another first will see a “Homage of the People” replace the homage of peers, with an estimated global television audience of tens of millions invited to make their own homage by sharing in the same words.

A Lambeth Palace spokesperson said they hoped there would be “a great cry around the nation and around the world in support for the King”.

Camilla will also be crowned during the service that will see the King and his wife receive communion wine and bread but, when she is anointed, the Queen Consort will not be shielded by a canopy like previous royal spouses.

Additional reporting for PA

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