A Service of Dedication & Thanksgiving at the beginning of the Legal Year
At his Coronation, His Majesty The King made a promise to God to serve his people and ensure that justice is upheld in the Kingdom. Each year, people who deliver this justice attend a Cathedral service to recognise that God is the ultimate authority, and a merciful judge. This is a Christian service but those of other faiths or no faith are warmly welcomed.
The tradition of holding a service to mark the beginning of the legal year dates back to medieval times when judges used to gather in Westminster Abbey. They prayed for guidance that they would judge everyone fairly and according to the Law. That service in London is still held to this day. Other cities that are visited by High Court Judges now hold such services and Liverpool has done so for many decades.
The service is arranged by the High Sheriff of Merseyside. The office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular office in the country and dates back over a thousand years. The High Sheriff of Merseyside is appointed by the Monarch in his capacity as Duke of Lancaster and supports the judiciary and in particular the Judges of the High Court when they sit in the County. Other duties include supporting royal visits, the police and other law-enforcement agencies, emergency services, local authorities, all recognised faith groups and events involving the armed forces and voluntary and youth organisations.
At the Service all Judges and Magistrates are reminded of the solemn oath that each took upon their appointment to “well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord King Charles III and to do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of this realm without fear or favour, affection or ill will”.
Effective public service and the well-being of the county are the responsibility of civic leaders as well as the judiciary. The Lord Mayor of Liverpool and the Mayors from the other Boroughs in Merseyside attend the service as civic representatives.
The service is open to everyone.
Digital Giving
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Liverpool Cathedral is a registered charity no 1205970
