Tabloids royally shocked by Christian belief in repentance
-11/04/05
After weeks of media-fuelled furore, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles finally married at the register office in Windsor over the weekend, followed by a blessing at the Chapel Royal which shocked many by revealing that Christians still believe in repentance for wrong-doing ñ for everyone, not just affiliates of the Crown.
In the troubled build-up to the wedding, British tabloids (and at least one bishop) had been exercised by the rumour that Charles and Camilla, who are both divorced and were involved in a long-term adulterous affair, might be made to ëpublicly apologiseí as part of the blessing ceremony conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
In the event what took place was the traditional prayer of penitence from the Book of Common Prayer, which enjoins people to seek Godís forgiveness and renewal in the face of ëmanifold sins and wickednessí. The couple, who have been privately counselled by the Archbishop, said the prayer along with other members of the congregation.
ìItís amazing that weíve had all this fuss,î a Church commentator told Ekklesia. ìWhen people enquired they were informed about the form of words that would be used, but apparently it came as a massive shock to some journalists that Christians regularly confess their sins and that it would be entirely inappropriate to decline to do so just because the people involved are connected with the Royal Family. God has no favourites and offers forgiveness and a new start to everyone, regardless of worldly status.î
Last week the Daily Mirror newspaper ran a humorous front page depicting Charles and Camilla as ësinnersí with little red horns adorning their heads. Other tabloids handled the story in similar ways, and even some of the broadsheets seemed surprised at the idea that anyone might think human beings have ëfallen short of the glory of Godí, as St Paul Puts it in the New Testament.
A theologian told Ekklesia: ìIn an increasingly secularised society, the concept of sin ñ the defacing of Godís image in humanity ñ seems an alien idea. It is associated with petty judgmentalism rather than with the honesty, realism and hope it really signifies.î
He went on: ìRightly acknowledging sin and brokenness is about seeking new life, not wallowing in guilt.î
The royal wedding was controversial for other reasons. The Church of England will remarry divorcees in certain circumstances, but such an action was deemed inappropriate for the Prince and his lover, even though he is would be head of the Established Church when if he becomes King.
The service of blessing at the Queenís chapel in Windsor was therefore offered as an alternative. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, who looked a little uncomfortable with the proceedings, conducted the prayers. These included a promise of faithfulness by the couple ëwith Godís helpí.