National Conference
In tough or confusing times Christians know they have a vast, unseen resource: the limitless grace of a good God. Hope in a world of suffering is the theme of the CMF 2015 National Conference where the Bible readings will be given by Lindsay Brown, a highly gifted expositor and former general secretary of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES).
'We will be looking at three key passages providing assurance of God's continued presence, sovereignty, trustworthiness, grace and love,' Lindsay says. 'It is an opportunity to affirm and understand more fully the sure and certain foundation for the hope that God gives to all Christians as we face adversity in a fallen world.'
We are delighted to confirm that the 2015 Rendle Short Lecture will be given by Professor Glynn Harrison, a gifted communicator, prolific blogger and author. His theme: After the revolution: reimagining the biblical vision for sex and marriage.
There are special programme tracks for student leaders (by invitation), junior doctors, and a nurses track on the Six 'Cs' of Nursing: Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage and Commitment – and how the teaching of Jesus should shape these values. We return to Yarnfield Park, Staffs as the venue.
Early bird rates are available until 31 March so book soon: www.cmf.org.uk
Public policy: CMF in the public square
CMF regularly makes submissions to government and other bodies, bringing a Christian perspective to important debates in national life. Here is a list of some recent submissions by CMF:
- Response to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee Inquiry into mitochondrial donation – 22 October 2014
- Response to the Proposed Organ and Tissue Donation (Scotland) Bill – 25 September 2014
- Response to the Northern Ireland Justice Committee Consultation on Abortion services – 12 September 2014
- Submission to the House of Commons Education Committee on Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) and Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) in schools – 9 June 2014
See CMF website for full details: www.cmf.org.uk
Current consultations where CMF is involved:
- Northern Ireland Department of Justice Consultation on Abortion for Disability.
- GMC Fitness to Practise Consultation: Doctors who don't meet professional standards.
- Equality and Human Rights Commission. How religion or belief have affected experiences in the workplace
- Commission on Religion and Belief in British Public Life. Specific topics include social change, law, media, education, social action and dialogue and engagement.
Nurses
Steve Fouch met with the leadership of Nurses Christian Fellowship International (NCFI) at the European and Asia Pacific Regional Conferences this autumn. These events focused on whole-person care and compassion as core Christian values in nursing.
Nurses' Refreshment Dinners have become a core part of our ministry. In London they are held on the last Tuesday of every other month, with 10–15 attending regularly. Contact Steve (steve@cmf.org.uk) or Dimity (dimity@cmf.org.uk) if you are interested in coming or bringing along a friend. Nurses have attended most of the CMF regional and national conferences this autumn – don't forget the National and Student Conferences next year!
Carol Service
10 December 2014
We are delighted that Professor John Lennox, author and apologist, will speak at this year's Healthcare Carol Service at 6.30pm on 10 December at All Souls Church London W1. Joining him is the Rector of All Souls Hugh Palmer. A longtime supporter of Christians in the health professions, John Lennox has debated sceptics like Richard Dawkins, Peter Singer and the late Christopher Hitchens. Come. Bring a friend – or three.
Public Policy appointment
A grant from a major Trust has enabled the appointment of Cheryl Chin to join the CMF Public Policy Team as a researcher.
We asked her to tell us about herself.
'I'm from Singapore but moved to England with my family when I was 12. I'm a qualified doctor and had been in clinical practice for 3 years before embarking on my MA in Bioethics and Medical Law. My church family is the community of St Mark's Battersea Rise, a lively Church of England community with many mid-week activities, residing in the heart of Clapham.'
What appealed to you about the Public Policy role in CMF?
'The opportunity to be able to learn about and influence public policy from a Christian platform was simply too good to pass up. Learning from more experienced members of the team just added heaps to its attraction and trying to apply all I'm learning in my MA and putting it to the test. Contending and reconciling between the values of the wider culture and that of Christian values is always a huge challenge, but in particular, I see the assault on a doctor's freedom of conscience as a highly challenging issue currently.'
