The king used his Christmas Message preaching the “universal” values of Christians, Jews and Muslims “at a time of increasingly tragic conflicts across the world.”
The king, in his second annual festive message, said the “family of Abrahamic religions” all shared the same fundamental beliefs: to imagine ourselves “in the place of our neighbors and to seek their good as our own.”
In a message delivered while the Israel-Hamas conflict and the war in Ukraine continue to rage, he added: “I pray that we can also do everything in our power to protect each other. »
“Manifestation of the divine”
In the traditionally Christian televised address, filmed at Buckingham Palace, the king also urged the public to “protect the Earth and our natural world”, saying that honoring “all creation” is at the heart of religious belief .
“Caring for this creation is a responsibility that falls to people of all faiths and none,” he said. “We care for the Earth for the sake of our children’s children. »
He thanked Britain’s “selfless army of volunteers” as the “essential backbone of society”, recognizing those watching from home who are experiencing “real difficulties” and proposing: “We must build on existing means to support others less fortunate than us.
“Because through God’s providence we are very fortunate, and it is our responsibility to use that wisely.”
Recognize all those who have served others in his crowning yearthe King declared that “honoring the entire creation” as another act of service is “a manifestation of the divine.”
Call for peace
In a call for peace, the king said: “At a time of increasingly tragic conflict across the world, I pray that we can also do all in our power to protect each other .
“The words of Jesus seem more relevant than ever: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’
“Such values are universal and unite our family of Abrahamic religions and other belief systems across the Commonwealth and around the world.
“They remind us to imagine ourselves in our neighbors’ shoes and to seek their good as our own. »
Other recognized faiths
For the second year, the king included other faiths in the Christmas message, starting with a line describing how many of the “great religions of the world” celebrated the holiday with a special meal.
The King guided his family through their second Christmas Day since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, with an almost entirely family outing to Sandringham.
Then he walked with the Queen surrounded by her siblings, eldest son, grandchildren and great-nieces in a laughter-filled outing in front of around 2,000 well-wishers.
His Christmas message focused on reflections from his coronation year and was delivered over footage of the King and Queen visiting a food distribution centre, Welsh family volunteering with scouts in Slough for the Big Help Out, and the Princess Royal, Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attend events.
