The Oath Of The King Of The New Jerusalem

Upon assuming power, during the coronation ceremony, the king swears a royal oath, in which he promises to rule the kingdom justly, respecting the rights of all, and pursuing the common good of all. The king's authority comes from God, but the royal oath reminds the king that the king is ultimately responsible for all his actions to God.

 

Oath taken by the current king

I, Thomas, elected King of the New Jerusalem and called to this high office in accordance with the laws of the kingdom, stand before God and His people this day to receive the crown and its responsibilities.

I acknowledge that kingship is not a man's own honour or personal right, but a task, calling, and office of service permitted and appointed by God. Although the people freely elect the king and the laws of the kingdom call him to his office, it is God who gives the power, establishes the office of service, and demands an account for its performance.

Therefore, I humbly accept the crown, not for my own glory, but to serve God, the kingdom, and its people.

I promise and swear before the Holy Triune God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, that I will faithfully observe and defend the constitution, laws and legitimate decrees of the Kingdom of New Jerusalem. I will not place myself above the law nor use the royal power contrary to its purpose, for the crown does not exempt from the law, but obliges to preserve it.

I will exercise the power entrusted to me in cooperation with the King’s Court and the Diet, listening to their advice, respecting their legal status and ensuring their free and responsible activities. I will uphold the good order of the realm and ensure that its administration operates fairly, openly and in accordance with the law.

Although I share the responsibility of governing with the Council of the State, the Diet, and other servants of the realm, I do not shirk the responsibility that the crown places upon me. I am accountable for my actions before the laws of the realm and ultimately to God, who knows the thoughts of the heart and judges righteously both rulers and peoples.

I promise to promote justice and oppose injustice. I will ensure that justice is not sold to the rich, withheld from the poor, bent to the advantage of the powerful, or delayed to the detriment of the weak. I will treat every person in accordance with his or her human dignity, regardless of his or her status, birth, wealth, opinion, or other personal circumstances.

I promise to be a refuge for those whose voices otherwise go unheard, and especially defend the poor, the persecuted, the sick, strangers, widows, orphans, and all those who need the protection of society. For the greatness of a kingdom is not measured solely by its power or wealth, but by how it treats its weakest.

I promise to be just, but also merciful. I remember that justice without mercy turns into harshness and that power without love corrupts. I will not use harshness as a means of revenge nor mercy as a cover for arbitrariness but will strive to ensure that justice and mercy serve together for truth, reconciliation, and the common good.

I promise to be impartial and will not place the Crown at the service of any party, estate, group, family or private interest. As king, I will not rule only for the benefit of those who support me, but for the benefit of the entire kingdom and all its citizens. I will also listen to those who disagree with me and protect their right to express their convictions within the limits of law and peace.

I pledge to promote peace, reconciliation and unity. I will avoid unnecessary strife both within and outside the realm and will use my royal position to unite those who disagree rather than to divide the people. I will not incite hatred, contempt or fear, but to build trust between people, communities and nations.

I will cherish the Christian faith and the spiritual heritage of the New Jerusalem with humility and love. I will not use faith as an instrument of power, nor will I force conscience, for faith does not live by compulsion, but by truth, love, and free conviction. I will respect the conscience of every person and ensure that in the kingdom one can seek the truth, practice faith, and live according to conviction in peace and responsibility.

I will preserve the history, customs, culture and common heritage of the kingdom and pass them on to future generations without impoverishing them. I will also take care of God’s creation and use the kingdom's resources, property and natural resources wisely, reasonably and responsibly.

I do not seek my own wealth, fame, or honour with the crown. I do not consider the kingdom as my own property, nor the people as my subjects because of my personal will, but I understand both the kingdom and the crown as gifts entrusted to me for a certain period. The king is the first of the servants of the kingdom, and his value is measured by how faithfully he serves.

If I err, I will listen to counsel. If I do wrong, I will admit it. If my power tempts me to pride, I will remember that every earthly crown must one day be laid to the ground, and that all the rulers of the earth will ultimately stand without insignia before the throne of the King of Kings.

Thus, I promise to rule the Kingdom of New Jerusalem in justice and mercy, respecting the law, building peace, and seeking the common good. I will keep the honour of the crown pure, the freedom of the kingdom secure, and the trust of the people worthy.

I make this promise of my own free will, with full understanding, and with God's help.

May God, the King of Kings, help me and may His Holy Word strengthen me.

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