The big day has arrived.
In 1688 it was the ascent of William and Mary to the throne of England.
Prince William had come from Holland at the request of the leading ministers in England. He had come to take the place of the disgraced James 2nd.
Before their coronation the young couple took the oath of allegiance to the Church of England of which William was about to become the head.
History repeats itself.
In 1688 it was the ascent of William and Mary to the throne of England.
Prince William had come from Holland at the request of the leading ministers in England. He had come to take the place of the disgraced James 2nd.
Before their coronation the young couple took the oath of allegiance to the Church of England of which William was about to become the head.
History repeats itself.
Two weeks ago Kate Middleton left the Roman Catholic fold and was confirmed Anglican. This is required by English law if she is to marry William.
Are not such laws outdated? Apparently not.
Are not such laws outdated? Apparently not.
The Church of which William will become the head has, as one of it's articles of faith, "The Pope shall have no jurisdiction in this realm of England."
After a bloody Reformation, six years of English Civil War and further rebellion under James, the English people had won liberties of conscience, freedoms of civil law and the right to worship and serve God without over-masters.
They enshrined these rights into English law.
The Wedding of the happy couple on Friday reminds us of our history and the reason for our laws. They are still worthy of our consideration.
I've got to go. Pauline has just turned on the tele!
Ian
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