New Delhi: UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will read from the biblical book of Colossians at the Coronation of King Charles III according to the recent tradition of British Prime Ministers giving readings at State occasions, the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury said. According to a report by news agency PTI, office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Reverend Justin Welby, said that for the first time, members of other faith traditions will also play an active role in the service.
"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, office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, said.
"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,” it said.
According to the report, the five elements of the "English Coronation Rite” will take place in the traditional order - The Recognition, The Oath, The Anointing, The Investiture and Crowning, and The Enthronement and Homage.
The five elements will take place within the traditional structure of a service of Holy Communion, and King Charles and Queen Camilla will receive Holy Communion during the service.
According to a report by The Guardian, people around UK and abroad will be invited at the coronation 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," in a declaration that replaced the traditional homage of peers.
The coronation will also be the first to incorporate other languages spoken in Britain, with a hymn to be sung in Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic, BBC reported.
The coronation of 74-year-old King Charles III will take place at Westminster Abbey on May 6.