UK PM Rishi Sunak to recite biblical verse at King Charles' Coronation

The fact that Rishi Sunak, who is of Indian heritage and practices Hinduism, will be reading from a biblical book at the Coronation of King Charles III, aligns with the multi-faith theme of the Christian ceremony, reported NDTV.

According to Lambeth Palace, which is the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, for the first time, members of other faith traditions will be actively involved in the service.

Traditionally, the Archbishop of Canterbury is responsible for authorizing a new Liturgy for each Coronation ceremony, which dictates the form of public religious worship that takes place.

"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.

While the three oaths made by the King during the ceremony, including the vow to maintain "the Protestant Reformed Religion," remain unchanged, the overall theme of the Liturgy for the upcoming Coronation of King Charles III is "Called to Serve."

This theme is meant to reflect the King's commitment to serving both God and the people of the United Kingdom.

Lambeth Palace has confirmed that during the upcoming Coronation of King Charles III, members of the House of Lords will present the Regalia, including items that hold no Christian symbolism, such as the Sovereign's Ring and the Coronation Glove, which will be presented by Lord Narendra Babubhai Patel and Lord Indrajit Singh, representing the Hindu and Sikh faiths, respectively.

Lord Syed Kamall, who is of Indo-Guyanese heritage, will represent the Muslim faith and present the Armills. Additionally, representatives from Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, and Buddhist communities will deliver a spoken greeting to the King at the end of the service.

The Coronation ceremony will follow the historic "English Coronation Rite," consisting of five elements that will occur in their traditional order, which include The Recognition, The Oath, The Anointing, The Investiture and Crowning, and The Enthronement and Homage.

The thousands congregated at the Abbey and millions expected to be watching on screens as the ceremony is telecast live will be invited to say the words: "I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law - so help me God".

The service will be structured around a Holy Communion, featuring prayers and Bible readings, and King Charles and Queen Camilla will receive Holy Communion during the service.