Prince Charles is an Atheist, what would happen?

[RATTER15]

Just what would the repercussions be if the next in-line to the throne announced that he was an Atheist?

[ABerrant]

"if charles declared atheism, he could still be king"

Well only if the CofE is happy that a declared atheist 'is in communion with the Anglican church' which is a primary condition of succession to the throne.

The CofE finds it difficult to be in full communion with some practising Protestant Christians e.g. the Methodist Church of Great Britain, so I cannot grasp how it can commune with the Godless.

[Ankou]

the monarchs role of supreme governor is merely symbolic.

i imagine that the c of e would overcome such obstacles, if only in a fight for survival. it would i suppose be treated in much the same way by the monarchy as the church of scotland is now.

[ABerrant]

Overcome what obstacles? Why would CofE, Parliament et al expend time and effort to do constitutional backflips to accommodate one Atheist when there are literally thousands of others in the line of succession who fit the conditions to become Sovereign (e.g. conform to Anglican doctrine) and could readily become "the next in line". The Monarchy is greater than any one person, even the nominal heir to the throne.

http://en.wikipedia.o...to_the_British_throne

It would not be that easy to treat the Church of England in much the same way as the Church of Scotland since the former is a 'state church' while the latter is not.

[Ankou]

its all ceremonial, nothing would change.

he might not (wish to) be considered fidei defensor for the c of e, but he would no doubt for the purpose of ceremony, tradition and ritual carry out the role of defending the security of the c of e, like with the c of s even if he doesn't follow/believe.

in any event, the likelihood of him publicly declaring it is very low so he would probably just continue merrily on like all others before him. its tradition see.

[ABerrant]

This thread is hypothetical - the PoW has declared he is a committed Christian who regularly attends CofE services and will readily assume his future role as Head of the Church of England.