The Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, is taking part in talks to change the way the monarch of Britain is crowned.

But he denies claims that his is a crucial role in the discussions which could change traditions dating back more than 1,000 years and weaken the link between the king and the Christian faith.

The discussion, part of the deliberations of a consultation group on church-state relations meeting in Sheffield, suggests involving other religions in the coronation, as well as changing the coronation oath.

The change would recognise the multi-cultural make-up of modern Britain, but it would question the role of the king as Supreme Governor of the Church of England and change a tradition dating back to 973.

Dr Hope's involvement joins that of the controversial former Bishop of Durham, Dr David Jenkins, who has been commissioned by the group to write a paper on the future of the ceremony.

Dr Hope was named in a national newspaper as taking part in the talks.

But his spokesman Rob Marshall has said his involvement is as an observer only.

He said: "Dr Hope was asked to attend the talks as an observer only and he has been quite surprised by the way it was reported in the national paper.

"He didn't organise the talks and he was only there as a senior church leader to act as an observer. He has no comment to make about it."

The Queen and the Prince of Wales have both been consulted about the talks. They are said to believe that reform of the coronation ceremony is inevitable.

Dr George Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury, is also thought to believe that the coronation ceremony will have to change.

The last time the ceremony took place was 1953 when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned.

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