METHODIST CENTRAL HALL HOSTS THE WORLD'S MEDIA FOR THE CORONATION OF KING CHARLES AND QUEEN CAMILLA

Billions of people from across the world tuned in to watch the coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, 6th May 2023. Many of those watching would have seen coverage hosted from the roof of Methodist Central Hall Westminster which has stood opposite the Abbey since 1912. Despite over 100 years of incredible history, the coronation of King Charles III was only the third coronation to take place since MCHW was built.

At the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953, the trustees of MCHW refused any requests for, ‘outside organisations to be present in the building on Coronation Day 1953’; on Coronation Day 2023, broadcasters from around the world packed onto every roof space to bring coverage of the event to audiences around the world, demonstrating just how much the world has changed in the last 70 years.

Revd Tony Miles, Superintendent Minister said, ‘From our tremendous vantage point at Methodist Central Hall Westminster, we were able to witness, together with the world's media, the arrival of the King and Queen at the Abbey. Being a global Christian family, MCHW has played a significant role in enabling the coronation to be broadcast across the world. It was particularly moving to hear King Charles pledge to the King of Kings, "In his name, and after his example, I come not to be served, but to serve".' Mr Miles continued, ‘The coronation of a monarch holds significant spiritual and symbolic importance. For many Christians, the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty, but also the Biblical call to pray for our leaders. Given our location, we are acutely aware of the need to pray for those in our local area who lead our nation and Commonwealth at this time, and how much that support is appreciated.'

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Notes

1. Methodist Central Hall is a global Christian family following Jesus at the heart of London. With members from over 35 national groupings the church has been based in its historic building since 1912. In 1946 the church moved out for two months so that the first meeting of the United Nations could take place in the Great Hall.

1. During the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II over 400 media from the BBC, CBS, ABC, MSNBC and other organisations broadcast from Methodist Central Hall Westminster, reaching a global audience estimated to be around 4 billion people.