Prince Charles is being asked to read from the Quran at his coronation ceremony. Lord Harries of Pentregarth [yes, I know that sounds like something from Game of Thrones] is a retired Bishop of Oxford, but he’s recently landed in the spotlight for making some controversial comments regarding Prince Charles’ coronation as King. Lord Harries spoke in the House of Lords yesterday, and said that the Church of England should start to be more accommodating of other religions. He stated that authorities had decided that a passage of the Quran should be read out before any of the Christian passages started during Prince Charles’ coronation, as a method of ‘hospitality’ regarding other religions.
He explained, “It was a brilliant creative act of accommodation that made the Muslim high sheriff feel, as she said, warmly embraced but did not alienate the core congregation.That principle of hospitality can and should be reflected in many public ceremonies, including the next coronation service.”
Although Lord Harries has good intentions behind his plan, others have been quick to criticize the idea of reading out a passage from the Quran in a predominantly Christian. Dating back to the beginning of the British monarchy, coronations have always been an exclusively Christian affair, and even the idea of changing that would result in a huge uproar, as we’re seeing.
Simon Calvert [from the Christian Institute] went on the record criticizing Lord Harries’ plan, stating, “Most people will be amazed at the idea that a Christian leader would consider the use of the Koran at a Christian service in a Christian abbey. People are just so disappointed when senior Church of England figures lose confidence in the claims of the Christian faith.”
Although that’s not precisely the reason that Lord Harries suggested the reading of the Koran, it’s easy to understand why so many people have been reacting so strongly to his idea. Religion is still a touchy topic in many countries, and the monarchy – while not as functional as it used to be – is still held up as a symbol for the entire United Kingdom.
Editor’s note: Once we are making the coronation an ecumenical affair we’d like to see Prince Charles read from the Torah as well the Bhagvat Geeta!
Prince Charles by FameFlynet
