Defenders of the Faith: The British Monarchy, Religion and the Next Coronation

The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla will showcase the Christian Church's prominence in state affairs in 21st Century,multi-faith Britain. The Queen's faith was a source of strength during her reign,and speculation is rising as to whether the ancient rite should be abandoned or whether the nation should embrace tradition and reassert its Christian heritage.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2022
Publisher: John Murray Press

The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla will once again place the Christian Church at the center of state affairs in England, as the established religion in the country. However, the question arises as to why the Church holds such prominence in state affairs and whether it should maintain this privileged position in the 21st Century, multi-faith Britain.

In 1953, millions of people worldwide watched the first televised coronation of a British monarch, witnessing a deeply religious, medieval Christian ritual. Elizabeth II's reign was profoundly shaped by her faith, expressed not only in her coronation vows but also in her 70 years as Queen, from her role as supreme governor of the Church of England to her annual Christmas broadcasts, her encounters with Popes, Islam, and other religions. Like her late husband, Prince Philip, the Queen's faith was described as her strength and stay amid the turmoil of a nation becoming increasingly secular at the same time as her subjects became increasingly more varied in their religious beliefs.

During Queen Elizabeth's coronation, she was anointed by the Archbishop for her role in serving the country as Queen. However, what part will Christianity play in the reign of King Charles III, who, as Prince of Wales, once said he would prefer to be the defender of faith? Plans for the coronation are now in full swing, and speculation is mounting as to whether this is the moment to jettison an ancient rite and reinvent the Coronation to appeal to multicultural Britain, or whether our nation ought to embrace tradition and reassert its Christian heritage in the new Carolean age.

Defenders of the Faith explores the powerful connection between religion and the British monarchy from its earliest times, through the Reformation, the Civil War, and the reconfigured wholesome family monarchy of Victoria. The documentary delves into the role of the Church in shaping British society. Society, culture, and politics, and examines the challenges and controversies that have faced the Church throughout its history.

One of the key themes of the documentary is the role of the Church in maintaining social cohesion and stability in Britain. The Church has been a source of comfort and support for millions of people throughout history, particularly during times of adversity and crisis. The documentary argues that the Church's presence in state affairs is essential to preserving this sense of community and promoting social harmony.

However, the documentary also raises questions about the Church's role in contemporary society. In a multi-faith Britain, where people from different religious backgrounds live and work together, the Church's position as the established religion can be seen as a barrier to inclusivity and diversity. Some argue that the Church's teachings and practices are outdated and incompatible with modern values, and that it should be more open to engaging with other faiths and cultures.

The documentary also explores the Church's relationship with the state. Throughout history, the Church has been a powerful force in shaping British politics and society. However, there have been times when the Church's influence has been contested and criticized. The documentary examines the historical and contemporary debates surrounding the Church's role in state affairs, including issues such as the separation of church and state, the role of the Church in education, and the Church's involvement in social welfare and healthcare.

In conclusion, Defenders of the Faith is a thought-provoking documentary that explores the powerful connection between religion and the British monarchy from its earliest times to the present day. The documentary raises important questions about the role of the Church in state affairs and the challenges and controversies that have faced the Church throughout its history. Whether you are a believer or a non-believer, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the role of religion in British society and culture.

Dimension: 240 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399800068