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
NHS Trust settles with Christian nurse suspended in trans row
NHS Trust settles with Christian nurse suspended in trans row

A Christian nurse who was suspended for 10 months after allegedly misgendering a transgender patient has received a settlement from the NHS. 

Fulani terrorists kill 20 Christians in Nigeria's Plateau State
Fulani terrorists kill 20 Christians in Nigeria's Plateau State

Gunmen described as “Fulani terrorists” raided a village in central Nigeria on Thursday night and killed at least 20 Christians, area residents said.

New ‘Tyndale Trail’ launched to mark 500 years of English New Testament
New ‘Tyndale Trail’ launched to mark 500 years of English New Testament

A new long-distance walking trail tracing the life of Bible translator William Tyndale has been launched in south-west England, as part of commemorations marking 500 years since his groundbreaking English New Testament.

Russia and Ukraine agree to temporary Orthodox Easter truce
Russia and Ukraine agree to temporary Orthodox Easter truce

In the Orthodox calendar, Easter falls one week after the date celebrated in western Europe.