US bishop to give address at wedding that crosses cultures
PRINCE HARRY and Meghan Markle have invited a pioneering American bishop to deliver the address at their wedding, as the couple strive to reflect their transatlantic relationship amid the tradition of St George’s Chapel.
The couple have asked the Most Rev Michael Curry, the first African-American elected as the presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church, the US branch of the Anglican church, to deliver a sermon about love during the ceremony on Saturday.
The preacher, from Chicago, Illinois, does not know the couple, but was chosen by them in discussion with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby. His inclusion is intended in part to reflect the background of Ms Markle, who is American, in a series of transatlantic twists across different aspects of their day.
Today, a newly released Instrument of Consent, the official document confirming the approval of the Queen, also reflects that aim, with striking US symbols making their way on to vellum.
The ornate document features emblems for Ms Markle, including a rose, the national flower of the US, two golden poppies from her home state of California, and olive branches adopted from the Great Seal of the United States.
The wording differs from the instrument signed to give consent to the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, when the bride was described as “our trusty and well-beloved Catherine” in a phrase reserved for
citizens of the UK and the Queen’s realms. Significantly, it also includes a Commonwealth emblem, reflecting the couple’s commitment as youth ambassadors in the family of nations.
Bishop Curry, who has been praised for his “infectious laughter and selfdeprecating humour”, has held the role of the Episcopal Church’s presiding bishop since November 2015.
Raised in the Civil Rights era, he is a passionate advocate of LGBT rights within the church and has spoken of how his own upbringing, as a descendant of slaves, influenced his commitment to accepting all within the church
As his role at the wedding was announced yesterday, he said: “The love that has brought and will bind Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle together has its source and origin in God, and is the key to life and happiness. And so we celebrate and pray for them today.”
The Episcopal Church is an offshoot of the Church of England in the US and forms part of the broader Anglican Communion worldwide.
Ms Markle was baptised by Mr Welby ahead of her wedding.
The Dean of Windsor, David Conner, is to conduct next week’s service, before the Archbishop officiates as the couple make their marriage vows.
In 2011, the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, delivered the address at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
A spokesman for Kensington Palace said of the Prince and Ms Markle’s choice: “The couple and the Archbishop discussed a number of possibilities for a preacher. Whilst Bishop Curry is not personally known to the couple, it was felt that, given the fact that he is the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church as well as a wonderful speaker and preacher, it would be highly appropriate for him to be invited to speak.”
Mr Welby yesterday offered fulsome public support, sharing his thoughts on Twitter to hail Bishop Curry as “a brilliant pastor, stunning preacher and someone with a great gift for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ”.
“I’m thrilled that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have asked Bishop Michael Curry to preach at their wedding,” the Archbishop said.
“Marriage is a special and joyous commitment – please join me in praying for God’s blessing for the Royal couple on their wedding day, and for the whole of their lives together.”
The recommendation from the Archbishop is particularly significant after a schism in the Anglican Church around gay marriage, after primates agreed to impose sanctions against the liberal US church.
In 2016, an agreement saw the Episcopal Church, which accepted gay marriage, banned from key bodies with its views ruled “a fundamental departure from the faith”.
Bishop Curry was also among members of the church to condemn the America First policies of Donald Trump, declaring that “we need wise political leadership”.
‘A brilliant pastor, stunning preacher and someone with a great gift for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ’