Cynicism about politicians and political institutions runs very deep, says Terry Waite. But the current crisis is also an opportunity for change, for reinvesting politics with hope and the participation of people from outside 'the party system'.

Churches could have a vital role to play in rejuvenating democracy, says Jonathan Bartley. But it needs to be through a faith-engagement with politics based on openness and change.

A public opinion poll by ComRes, commissioned by the religion and society thinktank Ekklesia, has challenged the Archbishop of Canterbury's suggestion that democracy will be damaged by the revelations about MPs expenses

More churches and Christian groups in India have hailed as a victory for secular governance and a non-sectarian society the convincing victory of the ruling coalition, which did much better than pre-election polls had suggested.

There is something genuine about Barack Obama's desire to bring governance and people closer together, says Simon Barrow. This is an approach we need to emulate in Britain, where cynicism is eroding social hope.

The issues in the Damian Green saga are significant and should be monitored closely, says Simon Barrow. But the hysteria surrounding them tells us we are losing proportion and far greater injustices may be happening under our noses.

The rejection by Irish voters of a treaty to reform the European Union has exposed serious deficiencies in the workings of the 27-nation body, says the head of a grouping of European Protestant churches.