Rishi Sunak to read from the bible at King Charles III's Coronation
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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (file photo)
London: UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is to read from the biblical book of Colossians at the Coronation of King Charles III at the religious ceremony at Westminster Abbey here on May 6, PTI reported, citing the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
This is part of the recent tradition of the British Prime Ministers giving readings at State occasions.
Rishi Sunak, Britain's first Prime Minister of Indian heritage and a practising Hindu, reading from a biblical book will resonate with the multi-faith theme being struck for the Christian ceremony, PTI writes.
The office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lambeth Palace, said that members of other faith traditions would 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.
The entire theme of the Liturgy, the form according to which public religious worship takes place, 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. As per the longstanding tradition, the Archbishop of Canterbury authorises a new Liturgy for every Coronation. The three oaths the King at the heart of the service remain unchanged, including the promise to maintain "the Protestant Reformed Religion".