King Charles III with Temple President Visakha Dasi at Lambeth Palace Library.

King Charles III of the United Kingdom recently met with over 30 faith leaders and community representatives at the historic Lambeth Palace Library in central London. The event was part of the annual “Inter Faith Week,” which aims to promote tolerance and greater understanding between different faiths and communities. Among the select guests joining the King was Visakha Dasi, President of ISKCON’s Bhaktivedanta Manor.

King Charles was welcomed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, who said, “The visit reflects The King’s longstanding commitment to supporting all faiths in the UK, which we saw so powerfully at the Coronation. It also continues the exemplary work of Queen Elizabeth II.”

During the gathering, the King asked Visakha Dasi, “Where are you from?” She replied, “Bhaktivedanta Manor. This year, we are celebrating our fiftieth anniversary. I’ve just given your Private Secretary a letter inviting you to please come and visit us.” The King, having listened respectfully, replied, “Very good.”

The gathering was hosted at the 8-story Lambeth Palace Library, which opened just two years ago, and houses the National Library and Archive of the Church of England. “Among its vast collections, the library displays a rich tapestry of items from a broad range of faith traditions,” said Радха Мохан дас, the Manor’s Communications Officer. Temperature-controlled glass cases hold Bibles, Qurans, a Hebrew dictionary, historic religious scrolls from the 13th and 16th centuries, and correspondence between global faith leaders and the archbishops of Canterbury. “I noted that the Bhagavad-gita was absent from the displays,” explained Visakha Dasi, “but expressed my hope that devotees can offer one to the library to help educate the public on the importance and antiquity of this important scripture.”

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A special thanks to the Manor’s Communications department for providing the photo and details of the day.