Prince Charles's advocacy of religious tolerance

[Skydragon]

Yet another update.

Charles wants multi-faith coronation service

Prince Charles wants to be crowned King in a multi-faith coronation service in a dramatic break with tradition, it is claimed.

Charles wants multi-faith coronation service | Mail Online

[Skydragon]

Charles' hopes of multi-faith coronation dashed by Church

Prince Charles' hopes of a multi-faith coronation suffered a blow when the Church of England asserted the historic importance of a solely Christian service when he becomes King.

Charles' hopes of multi-faith coronation dashed by Church| News | This is London

[Skydragon]

A video message by HRH The Prince of Wales to open the University of Cambridge “Islam and Muslims in the world today” Conference

It is a great sadness that I cannot be with you to participate in – and benefit from – this Conference on “Islam and Muslims in the World Today”.
However, I particularly wanted to take this opportunity to say a few words to preface the vitally important topics which you will be discussing over the next two days. I also wanted to express appreciation to the Prime Minister for making time, before he steps down, to organize this exchange of views by so senior and experienced a group of speakers......

The Prince of Wales - A video message by HRH The Prince of Wales to open the University of Cambridge “Islam and Muslims in the world today” Conference

[milla Ca]

Prince Charles hails links between Islam and Christianity

Muslims and Christians have far more in common than they have differences, Britain´s Prince Charles said at the opening of an exhibition of Islamic art in London Thursday.

Prince Charles hails links between Islam and Christianity#

[milla Ca]

A speech by HRH The Prince of Wales at the opening of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture´s the ´Spirit & Life´ Exhibition at the Ismaili Centre
12 July

The Prince of Wales - Speeches and Articles

[milla Ca]

Monach faith role ´should stay´

Prince Charles should not become defender of all faiths rather than just Christianity when he becomes King, the Archbishop of Canterbury has insisited.

BBC NEWS | UK | Monarch faith role 'should stay'

[Elspeth]

Not that Dr Williams is exactly a disinterested observer in this particular case, but he's right in that as long as the monarch is the Supreme Governor of the CofE, he should be prepared to make it appear that he actually means it.

[Skydragon]

Originally Posted by Elspeth

Not that Dr Williams is exactly a disinterested observer in this particular case, but he's right in that as long as the monarch is the Supreme Governor of the CofE, he should be prepared to make it appear that he actually means it.

Time to rewrite that little bit of the ceremony and law then, very few people seem to attend church nowadays and fewer still who do, appear to be christians in the true sense of the word!

[CasiraghiTrio]

Originally Posted by Skydragon

Time to rewrite that little bit of the ceremony and law then, very few people seem to attend church nowadays and fewer still who do, appear to be christians in the true sense of the word!

This point of view makes sense, but realistically, the Church of England will put up a hard fight to maintain their position in the State religion. They aren't interested in what the majority of British people want. It's just a fact. They are only interested to maintain their position, influence, their jobs, and their relevance.

[wbenson]

Even if they disestablished the church, I would still want the Coronation ceremony to stay the same, simply because it's been almost unchanged for so long. In my town, Santa Claus comes and turns on the Christmas lights and nobody complains, even if they don't think he's the real thing.

[Skydragon]

Originally Posted by wbenson

Even if they disestablished the church, I would still want the Coronation ceremony to stay the same, simply because it's been almost unchanged for so long. In my town, Santa Claus comes and turns on the Christmas lights and nobody complains, even if they don't think he's the real thing.

In the UK, in very many towns and cities, Santa Claus/Father Christmas and even Christmas is banned, because it might upset other religous groups.

If the UK wants to be seen as multicultural and relevant to all it's subjects, the monarch needs to be seen as representing all it's people, whether they believe in anything or anyone at all.

[CasiraghiTrio]

Originally Posted by Skydragon

In the UK, in very many towns and cities, Santa Claus/Father Christmas and even Christmas is banned, because it might upset other religous groups.

If the UK wants to be seen as multicultural and relevant to all it's subjects, the monarch needs to be seen as representing all it's people, whether they believe in anything or anyone at all.

True, but the process of changing the Church thing is a complicated matter and many interested parties will put up a hard fight. as wbenson points out, it will be necessary to take a close look at things like the coronation and figure out exactly what the implications are.

[wbenson]

Originally Posted by Skydragon

In the UK, in very many towns and cities, Santa Claus/Father Christmas and even Christmas is banned, because it might upset other religous groups.

If the UK wants to be seen as multicultural and relevant to all it's subjects, the monarch needs to be seen as representing all it's people, whether they believe in anything or anyone at all.

The monarch can still represent all of their people even if they have a Christian Coronation, just as they can represent all of their people if they have a Christian wedding or a Christian funeral. I don't believe in "anything at all" and I see nothing wrong with that.

I wouldn't mind seeing the declaration that the monarch is a protestant and vow to keep the church established taken out, but those are very minor parts of the ceremony. The first part was actually done by the Queen while sitting on the throne in the House of Lords.

[Skydragon]

Originally Posted by wbenson

The monarch can still represent all of their people even if they have a Christian Coronation, just as they can represent all of their people if they have a Christian wedding or a Christian funeral. I don't believe in "anything at all" and I see nothing wrong with that.

I wouldn't mind seeing the declaration that the monarch is a protestant and vow to keep the church established taken out, but those are very minor parts of the ceremony. The first part was actually done by the Queen while sitting on the throne in the House of Lords.

It isn't just a christian coronation, it is being declared head of the Church of England. Catholics among many, are seen as christians and being seen to favour one religion over another, will never be perceived as a good thing to anyone who is not a member of the CoE.

The church was disestablished in Wales and rumours abound that Brown is working to do the same for the rest of the UK.

[wbenson]

Originally Posted by Skydragon

It isn't just a christian coronation, it is being declared head of the Church of England. Catholics among many, are seen as christians and being seen to favour one religion over another, will never be perceived as a good thing to anyone who is not a member of the CoE.

The church was disestablished in Wales and rumours abound that Brown is working to do the same for the rest of the UK.

Perhaps I wasn't as clear as I wanted in a previous post. I wouldn't mind seeing the elements that refer to the monarch as head of the CofE taken out, but I'd like the rest to stay. The part about being Supreme Governor is actually quite a minor part of the Coronation service itself.

" Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel?

Will you to the utmost of your power maintain in the United Kingdom the Protestant Reformed Religion established by law?

Will you maintain and preserve inviolably the settlement of the Church of England, and the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government thereof, as by law established in England?

And will you preserve unto the Bishops and Clergy of England, and to the Churches there committed to their charge, all such rights and privileges, as by law do or shall appertain to them or any of them?"

That's really the only part that makes specific reference to the monarch's role in the church.

[BeatrixFan]

And arent Bishops now chosen by the House of Commons rather than the PM or Queen?

[wbenson]

No. There's a committee comprised of Church administrators that sends two names off to the Prime Minister, who chooses one (or sends them both back and asks for others, like Tony Blair did at least once, which was very exceptional) and formally advises the Queen to appoint them.

[Skydragon]

A couple of interesting articles regarding the 'state religion'!

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Church of England still valid as state religion?
Martine Martin's Lebwog

At the moment the Prime Minister plays a major role in the appointment of diocesan bishops and has the sole right to nominate deans of most English cathedrals.



I still feel that to be relevant to all the peoples of the UK, any reference to any role in any religion, should be removed.

The Prince of Wales - HRH celebrates 50 years of the Army Air Corps

The Prince of Wales helped the Army Air Corps (AAC) celebrate its Golden Jubilee today and spoke of the vital work they do as part of the British Army.
His Royal Highness, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the AAC and Air Chief Marshal in the Royal Air Force, was guest of honour during the official 50th birthday event

[Skydragon]

In October 1996, London's Evening Standard newspaper quoted the Grand Mufti of Cyprus, who claimed that the prince had converted to Islam. "It happened in Turkey. Oh, yes, he converted all right," the Grand Mufti was quoted as saying.

Asia Times Online :: Middle East News, Iraq, Iran current affairs

Strange claims made in this article but it is worth baring in mind that the Evening Standard and the Daily Mail are one and the same.

[milla Ca]

Originally Posted by Skydragon

In October 1996, London's Evening Standard newspaper quoted the Grand Mufti of Cyprus, who claimed that the prince had converted to Islam. "It happened in Turkey. Oh, yes, he converted all right," the Grand Mufti was quoted as saying.

Asia Times Online :: Middle East News, Iraq, Iran current affairs

Strange claims made in this article but it is worth baring in mind that the Evening Standard and the Daily Mail are one and the same.

We know that Charles has an open mind for other religions (expect of the Christianity). But that he could be converted to Islam seems to be (IMO) only a strange idea made by the press or made by some people who are against Charles´ tolerance in religous questions or from people who wants to monopolize him for their own religion.

The Prince also held dinner and many meetings with the Daila Lama, so is he maybe a Buddhist?
And he always supports jewish communities, so is be maybe a Jew?