First church ministers swear vow to king

Devon is first for deacons' allegiance

The first Church of England ministers to swear allegiance to King Charles III have done so in Devon.

The Bishop of Exeter, Robert Atwell, hosted the historic event at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday, just hours after the proclamation of the king at St. James's Palace in London.

Fifteen new deacons were ordained in the service, including Ruth Beckett from Torquay, who was the first to make her vow.

She said: “I am beyond excited. To be the first to affirm my oath to the new king was amazing but in ministry we affirm our allegiance to Jesus who is the same yesterday, today and always.

“It has been a good reminder that people come and go but Christ is constant.”

Speaking after the service, Robin Smith from Holy Trinity church, Barnstaple, said “What a momentous day. It was a privilege to be part of this amazing church and serve the king and serve the country.

“The last few days have been a lot to get my head around but it’s great to be here.”

Joanne Parker, from Plymstock and Hooe in Plymouth, said “Obviously the events of this week have been weighing on all of us, but it felt like a real historic moment to actually swear allegiance to the King today.”

The new deacons now take up posts in churches across Devon.