What are the readings at King Charles’ coronation and who is taking part?
THE coronation of King Charles will be a Christian act of worship that honours the tradition of anointing and crowning a Monarch.
Here we take a look at what readings will take place at the coronation on May 6.
What are the readings in King Charles’ coronation service?
King Charles’ coronation service takes place on May 6, 2023.
The readings in the service will use traditional language and texts from the King James Bible.
The service will also reflect the changes in the UK since Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953.
These new elements have been chosen to express the theme of the Christian faith and contemporary Monarchy.
It also hopes to represent and celebrate the diversity of the nation today.
A new Epistle has been selected for this coronation, which will be Colossians 1:9-17.
The reading is taken from the first chapter of the Epistle
to the Colossians, beginning at the ninth verse.
The words are:
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it,
do not cease to pray for you,
and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his
will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing,
being fruitful in every good work,
and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Strengthened with all might,
according to his glorious power,
unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Giving thanks unto the Father,
which hath made us meet to be partakers of
the inheritance of the saints in light:
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness,
and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
In whom we have redemption through
his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Who is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of every creature:
For by him were all things
created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth,
visible and invisible, whether they be thrones,
or dominions, or principalities, or powers:
all things were created by him, and for him:
And he is before all things,
and by him all things consist.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Who is reading at King Charles’ coronation?
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will read from a biblical book that will resonate with the multi-faith theme being struck for the Christian ceremony.
Lambeth Palace said: “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.
“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.”