Prayer at opening of First Session of Thirtv-second Parliament
June 6, 1979
British Columbia Legislative Buildings
Victoria, BC
Rev M. John V. Shaver, President, BC Conference, United Church of Canada

Father and Mother of all, we presume to open this thirty-second Parliament of the British Columbia Legislature with prayer unto you.

By this we acknowledge that the governing of people by some is under constraint and has limits beyond which is neither prudent nor safe for it to transgress.

By this we acknowledge that the institutions whereby those who govern are held responsible to those they govern are not of our own making, but are rather gifts given to us by the commitment and sacrifice of those who have gone before.

By this we acknowledge that our structures and the operation of them do not yet afford justice to all.

By this we acknowledge that Justice has a way of being its own thing and is not the possession of anyone person or group with a righteousness of its own.

By this we acknowledge that British Columbia is not the whole world or even its center , but that we are fellow citizens of the world and members one of another .

At this time we lift the people of the province and the members of this Legislature, Government and Opposition, for your blessing.

God bless the Queen and her Lieutenant Governor.
Grant the Members to this house

Ears to hear the crys of the people,
Eyes to recognize the faults in the foundations of the State,
Minds to know the difference between treason and loyal opposition, and
Hearts to face the enormous responsibilities of this hour.

Amen