This weekend we see and celebrate the coronation of the monarch and the ceremony of crowning the new king, a ceremony we have heard much about because of King Charles III’s desire to be inclusive and ecumenical by including of people from other denominations, faiths and traditions. But what if anything does that have to do with interchurch families and the issues they have and face?

In case you didn't know an Interchurch Family typically refers to a family in which the partners come from different Christian denominations. For example, one spouse may be Catholic while the other is Protestant.

Now symbolically, the coronation of a monarch represents the beginning of a new reign and the assumption of new responsibilities - so maybe not so different from a marriage at its start if we think about it. 

However the Coronation also represents the continuation of a tradition and the passing down of authority from one generation to the next - and on a symbolic level we might even say that could perhaps represent the growth of those partners as they have their children and move towards the acts of christening or other symbolic acts of faith that occur generationally too.

In the context of interchurch families, the coronation could symbolize the coming together of two different traditions to create something new. Just as a new monarch assumes the responsibility of leading their country, an interchurch family must navigate the challenges of reconciling their different beliefs and practices in order to create a strong and unified family unit.

Additionally, the coronation often involves a public display of unity and support towards the new monarch from a range of people of different persuasions across the country. In a similar way, an interchurch family may need to seek support and understanding from their larger community, whether it be their respective church communities or their friends and extended family.

Overall, while for most there may not seem to be a direct or obvious connection between the coronation and interchurch families, symbolically both can be seen as representing the challenges and opportunities that come with the merging of different traditions and the assumption of new roles and responsibilities.

In the context of the coronation of King Charles III, it represents a continuation of the tradition of monarchy in the United Kingdom, something that for some may seem immutable, for others redundant, and for most just an interesting activity and time to celebrate. But yet, as we see in the preparations and inclusions that have made the news because they seem a little out of the norm for most coronations, it can also be an opportunity for change and evolution. Changes, even small ones such as including others who in the past may not have been included can potentially address issues faced by different groups, including interchurch families, by promoting understanding and inclusivity across different traditions, denominations and faith.

Furthermore, the coronation of King Charles III can also serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and collaboration within families and communities, regardless of religious or cultural differences. It could be an opportunity for interchurch families to come together and celebrate the new reign, while also acknowledging the unique challenges they may face in working towards greater understanding and harmony.

So this weekend many Interchurch Families will celebrate both at home in their own family units but also out in the world, in their shared churches, in their own churches, in the hope that all churches may find it in time to more easily become places of radical welcome and inclusion too, places where vows are offered, where the anointing of baptism or the charism of confirmation happens with the welcome and attendance of others joined in faith and unity together, even in their different forms of tradition.

And as the Association of Interchurch Families we offer our thanks for the service of the Monarch and

'As children of the Kingdom of God

We welcome you in the name of the King of Kings,

God Save the King! '