There has been much debate as to whether a religious coronation is out of place in secular Britain today. Yet if we remove this ancient vision of rule and authority as a call to service, to self-sacrifice for the good of others, to rule with humility, exercising a blend of justice and mercy, all the time being accountable to a higher authority than any human court, then what will replace it? Is there a better vision on offer anywhere else?

Graham Tomlin, The Times, 6 May

Charles then has to take on board the spurs (representing knighthood and bravery), the Bracelets of Sincerity and Wisdom, the Sovereign’s Orb, the Ring of Kingly Dignity, and the Rod of Equity and Mercy. By the time what appears to be the Oven Glove of God turns up, the whole thing appears to have turned into a game of Royal Buckaroo

Caitlin Moran, columnist, The Times, 8 May

This was no less than the stifling of dissent so that we could all cheer the King as if we all agreed; what you might call the Russian approach. Even if you did cheer the King, you must agree that “this is not who we are”; or rather it is who we are and it damn well shouldn’t be

Paul Bayes, Twitter, commenting on the arrest of republican protesters on Coronation Day, 8 May

I hear more and more about curacies going wrong, about bad matches between curates and training incumbents, about gifted young clergy leaving the church. This isn’t something that theological colleges talk about. I think they should

Alice Goodman, Prospect, 10 May

Charismatic characters who have the ability to generate enthusiasm are highly valued. And this is no bad thing — powerful teaching and visionary leadership is a great gift. But this can easily lead to an unhealthy commodification of people’s lives in order to keep the show on the road, generate giving and sell books and events. Stories are embellished, complexities are simplified. Inspiration becomes more valued than integrity

Jon Kuhrt, Grace + Truth blog, 8 May

I have been met with incredulity in Germany and elsewhere in Europe when we make statements about the importance of the rule of law, and our moral demand that countries such as Russia and China should stand by it, at the same time as we draft legislation that consciously seeks to breach it

Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, House of Lords, 3 May

Not being racist is not enough, we must be anti-racist. Let’s work together to #FightRacism and racial discrimination, and uphold the dignity & rights of all people, everywhere

António Guterres, UN secretary-general, Twitter, 1 May

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