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Good morning.

Today is an auspicious day in the history of British democracy.Ìý It is the 750th anniversary of the parliament of Simon de Montfort.Ìý This is the first recorded Parliament to which both knights and common citizens were summoned. It was in effect an embryonic form of today’s House of Commons.Ìý It was a crude form of representation – but it had the effect of providing a degree of balance between the powers of the king, the church and the people.Ìý

We tend to speak as if democracy comes complete and pre-packaged, In fact its development is much more organic than that, and its continuation much more fragile. Democracy has no power to stand up for itself. Its very existence is consensual. If we don’t use it, it doesn’t exist.Ìý

Exactly two years from today we expect to see the inauguration of a new US President.Ìý Much sooner than that, just over 100 days from now, we in Britain will go to the polls. In a sense we’re invited to exercise two votes.Ìý Before we vote for a candidate or party, we will vote by turning up,. The choice we’re asked to make is one to which people of all faiths and none are committed.Ìý It is the option for a common good that rises above sectarian interests, for the continuation of democracy itself.

God of all, we thank you for the means of government that secure peace in our land.Ìý We pray that those who stand for election and those who take part will serve the common good and work together for a just and generous society.Ìý Amen.

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