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St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

215 N. 7th, Terre Haute, Indiana

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Coronations and Kings

The Rector's Blog · May 10, 2023

Disciples, Apostles, and Saints!

This past weekend, we had the coronation of King Charles III of England. A day in which many people, all over the world, watched the public spectacle that is more than a mere transfer of power. It is about monarchy, authority, and religion, all rolled into one. And it is a day in which the church consecrates a king, in all of its tradition, opulence, and regalia.

While I have made no attempt to hide my own convictions about the intersection of power, faith, and the state, I do hold a high regard for sovereignty, and the right of a people to exercise their forms the way they do. Charles doesn’t need my permission to be king, in other words.

As many of you know, I went to a Canadian seminary. And part of our work was to lead in all parts of our chapel life together. One of those parts is leading the prayers of the people. And, seeing as it was Canada, I’d usually include a prayer for the (then) Queen. I mean, when in Rome, right? One time, afterward, a professor reminded me “You’re American. She isn’t your Queen. When you lead the prayers, lead them as you.” He further pointed out that we had fought a war about that, after all.

In other words, it isn’t just about my adapting to them, but their adapting to me and what I represent.

This, of course, is the beautiful mess of Anglicanism. Charles isn’t our king. But he is our siblings’ king. And we certainly can like the spectacle as a spectacle. But we can also feel strangely connected to it regardless. Not because it matters in any substantive way, but because it matters to our friends, our people. Which means that it matters to us.

With love,
Drew

Filed Under: The Rector's Blog Tagged With: Anglican Communion, Church of England, coronation, King of England, What's Going On

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CONTACT

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
215 N. 7th St
Terre Haute, IN 47807

812-232-5165

officeadmin@ststephensth.org

ABOUT

St. Stephen’s is a sacramental community following Jesus’s Way of Love.

We worship on Sundays at 8 & 10.

AFFILIATIONS

St. Stephen’s is a member of The Episcopal Church and congregation of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis.

St. Stephen’s is a member of the Wabash Valley Homeless Coalition

PARKING

St. Stephen’s is across from Indiana State University. Nearby parking lots are run by ISU and are free after 5pm weekdays and are free all weekend long. 

Five marked spots in the lot directly behind the church are available during the week.

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