TRADITIONALLY, British monarchs have been known as “Defender of the Faith, but it’s been reported that a former royal chaplain has accused King Charles III of betraying his faith, office and subjects by pledging to “protect the space for Faith within the multi-faith nation”.

As I understand, it prior to his coronation King Charles talked about being the defender of faith in general rather than just the CofE and retained the traditional wording at his coronation. But all that seems to have changed because the Sovereign Grant report 2025-26 states that "His Majesty is Supreme Governor of the Church of England and protects the space for Faith within the multi-faith nation.

So how should we react to this serious accusation?

I think we should begin by recognising that we live in a pluralistic, multi-faith nation and even atheism is an act of faith too. In fact, I reckon atheists need more faith than believers given the evidence that exists to prove the existence of God.

They should have the right to deny His existence of course, just as we should all have the right to have different understandings of God. Our creator has given us the freedom to do this, so why should we deny it to one another? Indeed, Christians should be at the forefront of those who believe in religious freedom - although, sadly, this has not always been the case.

But that doesn’t mean that I believe every faith is true and all roads lead to God. Jesus certainly didn’t think that - as we can see from what He taught His disciples. He didn’t pull any theological punches either. He said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

I want the freedom to echo that teaching, just as I want the freedom to tell everyone that the day is coming when they will have to acknowledge Jesus as Lord. I want to do it because I believe there will be those who will do so gladly, but there will be many will do it with tears knowing that they will be spending eternity separated from Him.

In my humble opinion then, the King is right to protect space for faith within our multi-faith nation because Jesus isn’t looking for coerced followers but disciples who trust Him and allow Him to be the Lord of their lives.

That’s why the church must never forget that it is called to bear witness to the God who so loved this world that He gave His one and only son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

I wonder if the monarch will ever have to defend the church’s right to say things like this. I get the feeling that the day is coming when he may well have to, and I know I’m not the only one thinking like this too.