Image: House of Lords 2013/Roger Harris

The Liturgy for the Coronation of King Charles III is focused on service to others.

The new liturgy, commissioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, reflects The King’s commitment to serve others. It is also inspired by the decades of public service given by Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The theme is ”Called To Serve” and that message is seen in the prayers and scripture chosen.

The Liturgy uses traditional language and texts from the King James Bible. And while it will bear similarities to other Coronation services, it will also reflect the many changes since the last time a Monarch was crowned, in 1953.

The Epistle also focuses on service. It is taken from St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, Chapter 1, verses 9 to 17. The passage is about service to others. It will be read by the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.

The Coronation will also start with a pledge to serve by the King, whose first words aloud in the Abbey on this historic day will be ”In His name, and after His example, I come not to be served but to serve.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said ”The Coronation is first and foremost an act of Christian worship. The signs, symbols and language we use remind us that our God is the Servant King. By his anointing in this service, His Majesty King Charles III is set apart to fulfil his vocation of service and duty to us all. This is the character of kingship today.”

The Coronation takes place on May 6th 2023 at Westminster Abbey.