The inclusivity of Anglican cathedrals and the coronation of King Charles III: embracing explicit religion, civic religion, and implicit religion

Abstract

Judith Muskett’s analysis of metaphors employed to characterise Anglican cathedrals draws attention to the inclusivity of these locations within secular and religiously diverse societies. They are positioned as places where sacred space and common ground collide and coalesce. Drawing on Edward Bailey’s discussion of implicit religion and civic religion, alongside explicit religion, the present study reports on an analysis of the 43 websites of Anglican cathedrals in England and the Isle of Man to map how these cathedrals orchestrated their response to the coronation of King Charles III. The websites provided rich exemplification of engagement with explicit religion (incorporating coronation-related music and prayers within their routine liturgical provision), with civic religion (arranging special services involving civic dignitaries and uniformed groups), and with implicit religion (welcoming within the sacred space a wide range of community-focused events, installations, and activities).