Hundreds of thousands of people gathering in London and millions more watching around the globe make the Coronation of King Charles lll an unforgettable experience. In a service lasting around two hours in the historic Westminster Abbey the King will be crowned where monarchs have been enthroned for a thousand years. Pomp and ceremony mixed with marching bands and huge numbers of service personnel from Britain and around the Commonwealth will once again show why this country is a leading player when it comes to ceremonial.
The moment of the crowning itself will be a moving one. The Archbishop of Canterbury will lift the St Edward Crown high, and then lower it onto the waiting head of the 73 year old monarch, to cries of 'God save the King!' from the vast invited congregation. The crown itself is heavy and of amazing value. It is formed from 22-carat gold with a circumference of 66 cm (26 in), measures 30 cm (12 in) tall, and weighs 2.23 kg (4.9 lb). Its purple velvet cap is trimmed with ermine. The crown features 444 precious and fine gemstones including 345 rose-cut aquamarines, 37 white topazes, 27 tourmalines, 12 rubies, 7 amethysts, 6 sapphires, 2 jargoons, 1 garnet, 1 spinel, 1 carbuncle and 1 peridot (whatever that is!). By all reckonings it is an extravagant piece of kit.
Christians everywhere and people of good will should be praying that God will bless and help the new king in his unenviable role, especially that of 'Defender of the Faith'. We should not judge him for his past, any more than we would want to be judged ahead of time for our own, nor should we engage in any kind of vain regrets over the sins of the institution of which he is part. The Bible is clear about our responsibility to pray - Paul says 'I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness' (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Our own pastor at Vazon Elim Church in Guernsey, Matt Gregor, has published this in the local press on Coronation Day. 'On behalf of Guernsey Elim Churches, we pray that King Charles will be led by wisdom, discernment, and a deep sense of duty. We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide His Majesty and that his reign will be a time of peace, prosperity, and progress for all the people of our nation'.
'Amen to that!'
