Church services mark 60th anniversary of Queen's coronation

Christians celebrated 60 years since the coronation of the Queen with special services and prayers today.

Belfast Cathedral was among those holding special services. Dean John Mann said: "This magnificent and symbolic event in 1953 is one that remains in the minds of many people – sometimes for the simple reason that they bought their first television set in order to watch it; or the whole street gathered in the living room of a neighbour who had managed to afford one.

"It was a different world, a world that has changed rapidly. I hope that in bringing to mind this historic day in celebration in St Anne's on Sunday, that those recalling it with affection in Belfast may be in joyful mood and uplifted in heart and soul."

Christians were also due to gather for a service of thanksgiving and prayer outside Buckingham Palace today.

The Queen was expected to take part in a service with members of the royal family at Windsor Castle.

On Tuesday, she will attend a service at Westminster Abbey. The service will be joined by 2,000 guests. The Archbishop of Cameron will preach, while Prime Minister David Cameron will give a reading.

Celebrations of the coronation are low key after her Diamond Jubilee was marked with spectacular festivities and community events across the nation last year.

A four-day Coronation Festival has been planned for later in the summer. It will be held in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.

News
Campaign aims to mobilise 500,000 Christians for Christmas outreach
Campaign aims to mobilise 500,000 Christians for Christmas outreach

Shine Your Light is aiming to mobilise half a million Christians to share the gospel with five million people across the UK this Christmas, with more than 2,000 churches already signed up, organisers say.

The Church of England should repent for previous calls to ban 'conversion therapy'
The Church of England should repent for previous calls to ban 'conversion therapy'

The Church of England's uneasiness about the government's ‘conversion practices’ bill is a perfect lesson in the old adage, 'be careful what you wish for,' writes Dr Martin Davie.

Leaked Home Office report links 'Christian extremism' to traditionalist beliefs and immigration concerns
Leaked Home Office report links 'Christian extremism' to traditionalist beliefs and immigration concerns

An internal Home Office report lists concerns about immigration, multiculturalism and changing social values among the characteristics associated with what it calls "Christian extremism", it has been reported.

Tearfund calls for COP31 funding to reach farmers struggling with climate change and food insecurity
Tearfund calls for COP31 funding to reach farmers struggling with climate change and food insecurity

Tearfund warns that worsening climate conditions are threatening food production and pushing more people towards hunger.