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Royal Marriage: Challenge to State Church
15 February 2005
This week, Britain's royal house announced the forthcoming marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles on April 8 in Windsor Castle.
The announcement was met with some consternation in sections of the media and public opinion on it seems somewhat divided.
Given the Church of England's stance on divorce and remarriage, the marriage will be formalised in a civil ceremony. This will be followed by a service of prayer conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
However, some British law historians have said that members of the royal family are actually forbidden by law from taking part in civil marriages in England. If true, this would render a civil marriage for Prince Charles illegal.
The ongoing affair of Charles and Camilla has long caused public consternation. Many people seem to hold Mrs. Parker Bowles personally responsible, at least in part, for the break up of the marriage of Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales.
Meanwhile, various commentators have expressed concern that Charles, when he is king, will become Supreme Governor of the Church of England and 'defender of the faith'. This despite the fact that he has married a divorcee while her former husband is still alive, something which the Anglican Church rules out in its teaching on divorce.
The church refuses to marry people under these conditions, believing that such a union works against the clear teaching of Jesus on divorce.
Mal Fletcher, a Christian minister working to improve the image of Christianity among Europe's young adults, says: 'Whether they like it or not, royals exist at the apex of a class hierarchy and are consequently called upon to play an exemplary role in society.'
'I think most reasonable people will wish the couple well in their marriage, but when it comes to the affair that led up to it, one wonders what sort of example is being set here for Britain's emerging generations.'
'I doubt that we will hear it, but it would set a great example to emerging generations and help to heal old wounds if the Prince were to express some regret over his extramarital behaviour.'
'It would be great to see Prince Charles show the same leadership and commitment to the public good which he has demonstrated in his work with the Prince's trust.'
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