CAPTION: King Charles III meeting the Bishop of Exeter at Exeter Cathedral in July 2021. Credit: Russell Sach
Devon’s Bishops Welcome Accession of King Charles III
The Bishop of Exeter has welcomed the Accession of King Charles III and revealed that the new monarch wrote him a letter just three weeks ago.
The Rt. Rev’d Robert Atwell said: “He had read a copy of the new book I edited, How Village Churches Thrive.
“I was absolutely amazed to open the envelope and find a personal letter from the then Prince Charles who had read the book and written to thank me.
The new King has commended the How Village Churches Thrive book
“Our new King has an enormous feel and passion for the farming community, for the wellbeing of all our rural communities our rural churches as the new Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
“I find it amazing that, with all that is going on, he found time to write to me and I shall always treasure the letter.”
Bishop Robert met the new King when he visited Exeter Cathedral in July 2021 with the Queen Consort.
He said “It was a privilege and a joy to welcome him last year when he was at the Cathedral.
On Sunday 11 September there will be Proclamation ceremonies in Exeter, Plymouth and Torquay, in keeping with royal tradition.
Bishop Robert said the monarch had a ‘passion’ for rural churches and their communities
Bishop Robert said it would be “his privilege” to be at the ceremony at County Hall in Exeter, where he will be praying the prayer of Accession.
The new King spoke about the importance of his Christian faith in his first address to the nation.
The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev’d Jackie Searle, said “As the proclamation is made, our prayers are with His Majesty King Charles III as he both mourns his mother and begins his reign.
“We pray for God’s blessing for him and the Queen consort, Camilla. May he be guided by his faith in God and his love for the people he serves.”
The Bishop of Plymouth-Designate, the Rev’d Prebendary James Grier, highlighted the new King’s connection to the South West and said “In the midst of the shock and grief of the death of the Queen, we pray for King Charles III.
“We are grateful for the profound effect he has already had on the South West through his work with the Princes Trust and Duchy of Cornwall.
“We pray for him as he takes on the role and duties of Monarchy and for the particular relationship and responsibility towards the Church of England.
“May his faith strengthen, uphold and guide him as it did his mother and may God comfort him in his personal grief. God save the King.”
