Public pledge of allegiance at coronation is an invitation, not a command, says Welby

 (Photo: Lambeth Palace/Jaqui J Sze)

The Archbishop of Canterbury has defended a public pledge of allegiance to the King during his coronation on Saturday. 

The 'homage of the people' is a new addition to the traditional coronation ceremony, and replaces the 'homage of the peers' that was formerly said by heriditary peers.

On Saturday, members of the public will be invited to "pay true allegiance" to the King outloud while watching on TV or in public, but not everyone supports the idea. 

According to the order of service, Archbishop Justin Welby, who is leading the service, will ask that "all who so desire, in the abbey, and elsewhere, say together:

"I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God."

Responding to criticism of the 'homage of the people', Archbishop Justin Welby, told the BBC that it was "voluntary" and "fine" if people did not want to do it.

"In every Anglican service, every Christian service, it is normal for congregations to participate," he said.

"It's an invitation - so if you want to join in at this point, by all means do so.

"If you don't want to, that's fine. There's no drama to it."

He repeated his comments in an interview with ITV News in which he said that it "isn't a command" and that if people did not want to join in, "that's entirely up to them." 

News
Victory for ex-gay Christian who was prosecuted in Malta over 'conversion therapy' comments
Victory for ex-gay Christian who was prosecuted in Malta over 'conversion therapy' comments

It marks the end of a three-year legal battle for Matthew Grech who has been found not guilty of “advertising conversion practices” in Malta.

Turkey should be placed on Special Watch List for barring foreign Christians, says US body
Turkey should be placed on Special Watch List for barring foreign Christians, says US body

Both US and EU institutions have raised concerns about the issue.

The prayer booklet connecting with sceptics
The prayer booklet connecting with sceptics

Christian Today speaks to Emma Weaver of trypraying to hear about how a simple prayer guide is engaging even more non-Christians in prayer for the first time.

Great British Bake Off champion gifts cake to Archbishop of Canterbury
Great British Bake Off champion gifts cake to Archbishop of Canterbury

The Archbishop of Canterbury has been presented with a commemorative cake by a recent winner of The Great British Bake Off.