King Charles has hailed the world’s religious faiths for “how much we have in common” in his Christmas Day message.
The British monarch used his traditional televised speech, recorded at Lady Chapel in Westminster Abbey, to express hope for a peaceful future through shared values.
The king has long seen his role as helping to build bridges between communities, faith groups and others, believing he is a part of society, not apart from it.
“As I meet people of different faiths, I find it enormously encouraging to hear how much we have in common; a shared longing for peace and a deep respect for all life,” he said.
“If we can find time in our journey through life to think on these virtues, we can all make the future more hopeful.”
King Charles developed his theme by invoking the biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ and the how “journeying is a constant theme of the Christmas story”.
“The holy family made a journey to Bethlehem and arrived homeless, without proper shelter. The wise men made a pilgrimage from the East to worship at the cradle of Christ; and the shepherds journeyed from field to town in search of Jesus, the saviour of the world.
King Charles and Queen Camilla lead members of Britain's royal family as they arrive for their traditional Christmas celebrations at Sandringham. AFP
“In each case, they journeyed with others, and relied on the companionship and kindness of others. Through physical and mental challenge, they found an inner strength.
“To this day, in times of uncertainty, these ways of living are treasured by all the great faiths and provide us with deep wells of hope: of resilience in the face of adversity; peace through forgiveness; simply getting to know our neighbours and, by showing respect to one another, creating new friendships.”
The broadcast showed Charles at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, where he visited survivors of a terrorist attack in October and met those who blocked the doors as a knife-wielding assailant tried to enter.
An arch in Sydney, Australia, with the words Bondi Beach also featured in foot
Continue Reading on The National UAE
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.