Let's be clear. The church does not have a monopoly on truth but we do have a vital role in the attempt to create a better society for all. One undeniable fact about the Church of England is that our parish system ensures a presence in every community. From this perspective, and with the priest's calling to have the "cure of all souls" - a concern for everyone who lives in the area whether they attend church or not, we can see and share the struggles of those communities. This gives our Bishops an authority to speak in the House of Lords - and of late many have had cause to thank them for their interventions.

Christians work together to form our morals and principles around an understanding of what God wants for our lives. I think that is important. I get increasingly concerned that society's values can be driven by the self interests of a small powerful clique. Through the church attempting to understand what God is saying to us the voice of the marginalised and vulnerable can be heard. We have this modelled to us through the life and teachings of Jesus, a political radical who sided with the marginalised outcast in the struggle against the dominant powers of his time. This voice is important today, it needs to be heard not sidelined.

So prayers at the beginning of a meeting helps with that grounding. It reminds people of their wider responsibilities. Opening up the possibility of God must prompt even the unbeliever to sometimes think there are greater considerations than mere self interest. Without that standpoint we run the risk of worse decisions and far greater problems.

Prayer is a legitimate valid response to the world's needs. We have seen that in Liverpool with the interest in the Anglican Cathedral's Pray for the Economy Labyrinth at the moment and Prayer for Liverpool in 2009.

I think most people still see the value of the religious voice in society. It has served society for millennia and despite the militant secular voices I think most people value the input of the church. As a church we need to continue to recognise and work alongside those with other world views but the religious voice is important and must continue.