Yeh, that’s the bit that made me think there may be other stuff hidden a few versus in…
A nation that ends slavery while it also engaged in slavery can’t simply choose to view a line in a song through the more favourable lens.
This is where it gets tricky.
Now a line about how we committed atrocities and now commit to ensuring we always take the moral path — that’s the kind of text that could have real value in reminding us that we’re not immune from making terrible decisions.
The worst thing about national anthems and similar is that you can trick yourselves into thinking you’re incapable of taking the wrong path…

A nation that ends slavery while it also engaged in slavery can’t simply choose to view a line in a song through the more favourable lens.
Just like the star spangled banner having the phrase “O’er the land of the free” (…and the home of the brave!) granted the poem was written a hundred or so later than Rule Britannia. I guess the most “inclusive friendly” is i vow to thee my country. It is so dramatic especially that video and work done with the RM Band at the festival of Remembrance

I guess the most “inclusive friendly” is i vow to thee my country.
It’s also fits the role of “national anthem” better. It’s a patriotic song to the country, not simply the monarchy. It also evokes themes of service to your country before yourself, which is perfect for the slight quieter style of patriotism that is quintessentially British
God Save The King works fine as a royal anthem, but many monarchies have already separated their National and Royal anthems, recognising they serve different purposes and roles.
What are the official lyrics of this one?
I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above,
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love;
The love that asks no question, the love that stands
the test,
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
The love that never falters, the love that pays the
price,
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.
I heard my country calling, away across the sea,
Across the waste of waters she calls and calls to me.
Her sword is girded at her side, her helmet on her
head,
And round her feet are lying the dying and the dead.
I hear the noise of battle, the thunder of her guns,
I haste to thee my mother, a son among thy sons.
And there’s another country, I’ve heard of long ago,
Most dear to them that love her, most great to them
that know;
We may not count her armies, we may not see her
King;
Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering;
And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds
increase.
Is usually the words
That’s looks like the original poem (the two fatherlands) rather than the normal lyrics.
First verse ends with “final sacrifice” & second verse goes :
And there’s another country, I’ve heard of long ago,
Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know;
We may not count her armies, we may not see her King;
Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering;
And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase,
And her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace.
whilst the second verse is referring to the kingdom of heaven (in the original poem by its original author) it’s not implicit allowing the individual to define the meaning on their individual terms when singing.
Also yes the rugby union World Cup song uses the same tune.

Now a line about how we committed atrocities and now commit to ensuring we always take the moral path — that’s the kind of text that could have real value in reminding us that we’re not immune from making terrible decisions.
Isn’t that the theme of “abide with me” which is sung as part of the FA cup final?
Might need to “rightsize” Rule Britannia for current Naval capability - “all thine shall be the subject main, and every shore it circles thine” hasn’t aged too well…
of course, for a non-denominational, all-UK alternative, not sure we could beat “Always look on the bright side of life”…

“Always look on the bright side of life”…
that doesn’t real fit with today’s society - or at least the side of society that turn to Social Media to complain
As much as I’m not a fan of a church organ (#Triggered) that song really does move the feels — and when that trumpet gets involved, it’s chef’s kiss and you can’t really hear the organ!
That wouldn’t be a terrible starting point for the big debate, and I can see many people agreeing it’s a good one. It’ll capture those traditionalists, the lower case “cultural Christians”, but potentially many more.
It’d be interesting to understand what objections there may be. Always assume you’ve missed something!
I have always found the hymn inclusive as I’ve grown up & shifted around spiritually - there’s no (direct) mention of God or Jesus, but it links to loyalty & sacrifice for others and also that admiration/nostalgia/hope for that country that is within us all that follows the path of gentleness & peace.
I think it works for all types of services & certainly worth including in a secular service particularly with its links to the Great War.

As much as I’m not a fan of a church organ (#Triggered)
Disappointed! As an instrument it doesn’t get to pick where it’s sited & it one of my favourites to see live
Toccatta in d minor, the interstellar theme, phantom of the opera, how to train your dragon make wonderful epic organ pieces
The organ above is in the royal Albert hall is used in all sorts of concerts & was only bout half power. Look up Anna lapwood if you want to see similar performances
When you pull out all the stops (literally) it sounds like this
My understanding is that the concert speakers kept the same volume, the organ just powered over (proper kick in round 3minute mark)

Disappointed!
As an instrument it doesn’t get to pick where it’s sited & it one of my favourites to see live
Toccatta in d minor, the interstellar theme, phantom of the opera, how to train your dragon make wonderful epic organ pieces
Maybe what we really need is Hans Zimmer to give us our sick new beat?
Edit: I take it back (partially). My real problem with the church organ is the standard cadence of church hym that goes with it.
That video was a great example of how to really put one through its paces.
I think the first verse of Rule Britainnia would put you off:
When Britain first, at heaven’s command,
Arose from out the azure main,
Arose arose from out the azure main,
This was the charter, the charter of the land,
And Guardian Angels sang this strain:
Its a hymn
Such a shame! That’s a bit in your face.
Did you have an ATC Sunday event and was it secular and inclusive?
We did not have an ATC Sunday event. Had I considered it something I could justify over the other stuff we do throughout the year / month with our limited capacity, it absolutely would have been inclusive.
We have enforced fun in Sector parades - I’ll just say that it was nice and warm by the fire in my living room
We had one, it was as Christian as a bag of Christian things.
That’s sad to hear. I’d love to understand the justification behind it.
Was the purpose an inclusive celebration of the ATC, or an opportunity for Sunday church with a theme?