“A wedding is one of life’s great moments, a time of solemn commitment as well as good wishes, feasting and joy. St John tells us how Jesus shared in such an occasion at Cana, and gave there a sign of new beginnings as he turned water into wine.

Marriage is intended by God to be a creative relationship, as his blessing enables husband and wife to love and support each other in good times and in bad, and to share in the care and upbringing of children. For Christians, marriage is also an invitation to share life together in the spirit of Jesus Christ. It is based upon a solemn, public and life-long covenant between a man and a woman, declared and celebrated in the presence of God and before witnesses.” (introduction to The Church of England Marriage Service)

Every four years here in Great Dunmow we are invited to focus on the institution of marriage.  Couples volunteer to face the gruelling examination of The Flitch Trials. We, the curious public look on as the details of their marriages are scrutinised, and then we rejoice with the successful and sympathise with those who are not.

However, the winner is the institution of marriage. It is that which we celebrate. It is the purposeful commitment that we applaud. And even those who, on the day of the Trials are found “wanting”, have much to teach us.  So, bring on the first couple, and let the 2008 Dunmow Flitch Trials begin.