The bells of St Helen Church were ringing this evening for the 7:30 pm Service of Celebration for the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
The church choir were joined by other Abingdon choirs and sang some of the anthems that will be sung at the Coronation tomorrow. The church was full.
We were told about some of the significant stages of the coronation: The Recognition, The Anointing ( as with Queen Elizabeth II, this will not be shown publicly), and The Crowning.
There were bible readings by the Mayor, Councillor Andy Foulsham; Revd Rachael Hughes, Minister of Abingdon Baptist Church; and Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Mrs Felicity Dick.
Revd Paul Smith told us his thoughts on the coronation and its religious significance, and at the end, we sang God Save the King.
I hear a lot about the role of the King as a religious figure. Interested in views about how, as an atheist, I should then view his role. I totally struggle with the view that I should pledge some sort of feilty, both to him and a God that I don’t believe exists to be a proper citizen – all feels a bit medieval.
It looks as if the oath of allegiance has been pulled at the last minute. It did sound an odd note.
The King is a traditionalist in language and so we are left with “thee” and “thou” which sounds archaic. Some will see this as solemn and dignified; others will feel that it reinforces an old-fashioned (medieval, if you like) world view. I suspect that most people will not “get” the religious bit at all.
Didn’t ditch it – my error.
Why ?
Service to “The Crown” is a concept that has kept UK away from the likes of “President” Blair and Corbyn !
I’m not entirely sure that it is either have the King or Corbyn although maybe I missed something in the small print. Many other countries seem to find a way of having a sense of public service without needing a king.
It is traditional and a reminder of our history.
Is that the history when his war lord descendants suppressed ours?
The oath of allegiance that people are being asked to partake in is voluntary. Personally I don’t feel the need to repeat it, as l gave my allegiance to the monarch when I joined the Royal Air Force.
Will you be at the bun throw Iain?
Yup – looking forward to it
I’m not having a go …just trying to explain…
Why will you be there?
I think the reasons you’ll go are likely reflected in people’s (positive) views of all this coronation bizz.
Sense of inclusion, tradition, community…?
even though, it is provided as a statement of ‘loyalty’ to whatever royal occasion it’s held for.
I am not religious (beyond the truth that is the FSM); but I enjoy Christmas… religion doesn’t factor though.
I dont mind the monarchy (I think it should be dramatically reduced and have the religious bit separated) although I don’t think I’d be upset if it was replaced by something else. What I do object to is the idea of swearing some sort of feudal duty to anyone, especially someone who’s only qualification is their parentage, and particularly in the name of a deity I don’t believe in.
The buns is a lovely community activity and I agree, it’s a nice excuse to get together with the neighbours. Likewise I’m watching the coronation as it’s quite interesting, just rather anachronistic.
That’s fair enough (and agreed).
Of course…no one “has” to swear allegence if they don’t want to.
not a royalist but can’t deny the queen gave decades of her life in service for the country.
charlie boy however? – the man who fantasied about being a tampon, what kind of loyalty does that inspire?
I don’t think that’s fair Rudi. King Charles too has given decades of his life to good causes. I think he has been amazing. Would you want to swap your life for his?