Scottish Coronation Proposal

The Church of Scotland has received much attention today (April 25) after a report to the 2013 General Assembly suggested that, in the event of Scottish independence, future monarchs should have a second coronation in Scotland.

The recommendation is included in a joint report of the Church and Society Council and the Ecumenical Relations and Legal Questions Committees on the implications for the Church of a ‘yes’ vote in next year’s independence referendum.

In addition to the separate coronations suggestion, the  Assembly will be asked to affirm that ‘the historic role of the Church of Scotland in civic life should be maintained’ and that Scotland ‘should become a member of the Council of Europe and should accede to the European Convention on Human Rights, which includes the right to religious freedom’.

It also calls on the Scottish Government to publish a draft constitution before the Referendum on September 18 next year.

The Rev Doug Gay, co-author of the joint report and Principal of Trinity College, Glasgow University, said: “It is vitally important that we are able to see any draft Scottish constitution before the referendum on Scottish independence. I am hopeful that whatever the outcome of the independence vote, we will continue to build a pluralist society where the views of those of all faiths and none can be heard fairly and without fear of prejudice.”

The Church is remaining officially neutral on the independence question, while encouraging its members and churches to get involved with the debate. The main report of the Church and Society Council notes that it is developing a resource pack to help churches which wish to host a community meeting about the future of Scotland.

It also states that the Church ‘remains dedicated to social justice being foremost on (the) agenda’ in the referendum debate.

However, it is the proposal for a separate Scottish coronation of future monarchs that has caused much comment today.

Anthony Lang, Director of the Centre for Global Constitutionalism at the University of St Andrews, was quoted in the Scotsman saying: “I like the fact the Church of Scotland is asking for it – it reflects this stronger democratic ethos and I like that. I don’t think it’s going to happen, or is legally necessary.”

Roddy Martine, an author of two books on the Royal family in Scotland, told the BBC: "I think it's a lovely romantic idea. It ties in with our ancestry and tradition.

"I think a coronation for future monarchs regardless of the outcome of the referendum would be a very good thing. It would bring them more in touch with the everyday people.

"I think it would be very good for the Royal Family's image, and it would be very good for the people of Scotland to feel closer to them."

Post Tags: independence

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