The English Civil Wars are the most destructive conflict in British history. Up to 5% of the population were killed and families torn apart in the increasing conflict between King Charles 1st and Parliament. Blame is often apportioned to either the tyrannical Charles or the cruel Parliament, but neither is a fair assessment. Charles believed that he was only answerable to God, whist Parliament viewed itself as a key partner in governance. They also had significant differences when it came to Christianity, and how the church should be organised. This led to a decade of upheaval and conflict that culminated in Parliament's victory in two Civil Wars. A military coup then ensured Charles was found guilty of treason, and the King was executed on 30th January 1649.
For most people today, this is the point at which Charles’s story ends. Yet many within the Anglican tradition remember him as a Martyr, honoured for his steadfast defence of the Church of England and its Bishops. Some argue that Charles could have saved both his life and his crown if he had renounced the Church’s episcopal structure, but he refused. It is far from certain that acceptance would have led to Charles remaining on the throne, but his commitment to the Bishops and the role of the state church cannot be denied.
Whatever your thoughts on Charles as a King, he was a principled man deeply committed to both his faith and his family. In times that can feel similarly turbulent, SCM Member Simon reflects on what we can learn from the life and example of King Charles 1st.
Achievements
Charles was always very attached to his membership of the ancient Order of the Garter and let himself be shaped by its ideals of chivalry in his personal conduct. We can all be inspired in our own relationship with our achievement: not to boast of them, sit on our laurels, or always chase the next thing, but rather to be thankful to God for the good we have been able to do and to strive towards always being the best version of ourselves we can be.
Identity
“I desire always more to remember I am a Christian, then a King”[1]. At a time when identity is often regrettably used to divide people and pit them against each other, I think we should hold fast to our principal identity as Christians. Not because everything else doesn’t matter, but because as Paul reminds us[2] our other identities are transformed in Christ and no longer act as barriers to fellowship with God.
Perception
Before going to his death, the King was known to have received the eucharist to his comfort, and then put on an extra layer of clothing, lest people should think he was shivering out of fear instead of cold. While Christ offers peace, we are not meant to be emotionless or unfeeling like automatons. Perhaps this can act as a two-fold reminder for us: firstly to “put on the full armour of God”[3] by offering our troubles up in worship, and secondly to be always mindful of how perceptions can be manipulated by those with a bias or an agenda. Jesus warned us that those who seek the Kingdom of God might face persecution and slander[4], so there is much to be commended in being fully equipped and strengthened (by worship and Sacrament) and shrewd in our encounters.
Restoration
Finally, a harsh reality: after Charles’s death, the Church he had sworn to protect was dismantled - its bishops removed, its Prayer Book outlawed, and its traditional worship pushed out of public life. It was reasonable to think the battle lost (“we have no remedy but what we must expect from the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings”[5]as Jeremy Taylor wrote). And yet, after a decade, Anglicanism was restored and continued to flourish with a new Prayer Book still beloved today and many people becoming a blessing to the wider Church over the centuries. This can be the final lesson: sometimes we might be called to do our part, and not be able to see the results within our own time. We should trust that where God called us, God will see our work come to fruition in some way and at some time.
So this year, in the midst of all the chaos and disappointment from the news and our own lives, I hope we will pause to remember the King who I believe died to save his Church, not because he was a perfect man, but because he tried to serve God faithfully. May we be inspired by his example, as we journey with Christ towards meeting all the saints in glory.
Written by Simon Ramacci. Simon is a Church of England Curate, who previously served as a Congregational Minister. He is an SCM member, and former member of SCM's General Council.
[1] Eikon Basilike (1649), Chapter 8
[2] Galatians 3:28
[3] Ephesians 6:11
[4] Matthew 5:11
[5] Holy Living (1650), Dedication to the Earl of Carbery