Pray for Charles, says Church, to keep Commonwealth goal alive

THE King needs the nation’s prayers to keep the Commonwealth “goal” alive, the Church of England has said.

King Charles III is facing increasing controversy surrounding the voluntary political association of the 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former British Empire territories.

The Church of England has published a book of prayer ahead of his coronation, urging the nation to pray for him to “have grace to animate and not dominate” in his leadership and that he may win “the love of the country as” his late mother did. It includes prayers for other members of the Royal family and the future of the Commonwealth.

The booklet calls for a period of prayer for the 28 days from today to the Coronation (May 6). It also references controversies facing the King, who as monarch is the Supreme Governor of the Church.

On Day 10 it includes a prayer for the King as Head of the Commonwealth, saying: “Many members were once a part of the British Empire. The King heads this ‘family of nations’ which seeks to enrich the life of its members and the world through shared values and practical cooperation. It’s an ambitious goal, for which we need to pray.”

Last month the King gave his first Commonwealth Day address as monarch at London’s Westminster Abbey against the backdrop of dozens of protesters holding “Not My King” placards. It was the biggest anti-monarchy demonstration since he took office.

In his speech at the annual service celebrating the Commonwealth the King urged the family of nations to “strive together” for the “global common good”. Following the death of the Queen, some nations – including Antigua and Barbuda, Belize and the Bahamas – have signalled they could hold referendums on whether the monarch should remain their head of state.

The King’s new era as head of the Commonwealth is likely to see further challenges, particularly over issues such as the legacy of slavery, colonialism and human rights.

The prayer book includes prayers on Day 16 that “as King Charles prepares for his coronation, we pray that he and all our leaders may have grace to animate and not dominate” as well as a prayer on Day 3 that he will succeed in “winning the love of the country as [the late Queen] did. We pray with and for our King as he strives to do the same”.