News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

king charles faith leaders banner.JPG
Reuters
king charles faith leaders.JPG
Reuters
World News

King Charles vows to protect all faiths as well as those who follow ‘secular ideals’

by Kelly Valencia

The new supreme governor of the Church of England has vowed to protect all faiths in the UK, not just Christianity.

During a reception of faith leaders at Buckingham Palace on Friday, King Charles III described himself as “a committed Anglican” but explained he has a duty to “protect the diversity of our country, including protecting the space for Faith itself”.

It had been previously reported the King would change the wording of his coronation from “Defender of the Faith” to make himself “Defender of Faith” or “Defender of the Faiths” but Buckingham Palace has now confirmed he will not do so.

Instead, the King has publicly said he will “respect those who follow other spiritual paths, as well as those who seek to live their lives in accordance with secular ideals”.

Speaking to more than 30 faith leaders, King Charles said: “I have always thought of Britain as a ‘community of communities”.

“That has led me to understand that the Sovereign has an additional duty – less formally recognised but to be no less diligently discharged.

“It is the duty to protect the diversity of our country, including by protecting the space for Faith itself and its practice through the religions, cultures, traditions and beliefs to which our hearts and minds direct us as individuals.”

He continued: “As a member of the Church of England, my Christian beliefs have love at their very heart. By my most profound convictions, therefore – as well as by my position as sovereign – I hold myself bound to respect those who follow other spiritual paths, as well as those who seek to live their lives in accordance with secular ideals.”

The King hosted the event in the Bow Room at Buckingham Palace, where the Queen’s coffin had rested on Tuesday before being moved to Westminster Hall.

The King also told attendants: “The beliefs that flourish in, and contribute to, our richly diverse society differ.

“They, and our society, can only thrive through a clear collective commitment to those vital principles of freedom of conscience, generosity of spirit and care for others which are, to me, the essence of our nationhood.

“I am determined, as King, to preserve and promote those principles across all communities, and for all beliefs, with all my heart.

“This conviction was the foundation of everything my beloved mother did for our country, over her years as our Queen. It has been the foundation of my own work as Prince of Wales. It will continue to be the foundation of all my work as King.”

Earlier on Friday, Muslim and Jewish leaders joined the host of church leaders giving prayers at a service of prayer and reflection for the Queen in Wales.

The service took place at Llandaff Cathderal with the King and the Queen Consort in attendance.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate