London | Rishi Sunak will read from the biblical book of Colossians at the Coronation of King Charles III on Saturday in keeping with the recent tradition of British Prime Ministers giving readings at State occasions.
Sunak, Britain's first Prime Minister of Indian heritage and a practicing Hindu, reading from a biblical book will resonate with the multi-faith theme being struck for the Christian ceremony at Westminster Abbey here on May 6.
Lambeth Palace, the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury – Reverend Justin Welby, said that members of other faith traditions will play an active role in the service for the first time.
"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, and the loving rule of Christ over all people and all things, which runs through this Coronation Liturgy," Lambeth Palace said.
"Following the 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,” it said.
By long-standing 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 by the King at the heart of the service remain unchanged, including the promise to maintain "the Protestant Reformed Religion".
The overall theme of the Liturgy is “Called to Serve”, which is intended to reflect the commitment that the King will make to serve God and the people of the United Kingdom.
"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,” said Welby.
His office said the service has been designed to reflect the changes in the UK 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 that reflect the “duty and privilege of the Sovereign to serve all communities”.
Lambeth Palace confirmed that the Presentation of the Regalia will be made by Members of the House of Lords and for the first time, some of the items which have no Christian meaning or symbolism will be presented by peers who belong to different faith traditions: Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism.
Buckingham Palace had previously confirmed that Lord Narendra Babubhai Patel, 84, will represent the Hindu faith and hand over the Sovereign's Ring to Charles.
While Lord Indrajit Singh, 90, will represent the Sikh faith and present the Coronation Glove, Lord Syed Kamall, 56, of Indo-Guyanese heritage, will represent the Muslim faith and present the Armills or a pair of bracelets.
"At the end of the procession at the close of the service, before His Majesty proceeds to the Gold State Coach, the King will receive and acknowledge a spoken greeting delivered in unison by Representatives from Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Buddhist communities," Lambeth Palace said.
The thousands congregated at the Abbey and millions expected to be watching on screens as the ceremony is telecast live will be invited to say the words: "I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law – so help me God".
The five elements of the historic "English Coronation Rite” will take place in their traditional order: The Recognition; The Oath; The Anointing; The Investiture and Crowning; and The Enthronement and Homage.
These elements will take place within the traditional structure of a service of Holy Communion, including prayers and Bible readings, and King Charles and Queen Camilla will receive Holy Communion during the service.