Consultations
Andrew Fergusson writes...
It has been an extremely busy period for CMF in responding to all the important consultations by government and other official bodies. Under the direction of Peter Saunders, and with the involvement of many CMF members and others, experts in their own fields, CMF's Communications Department has co-ordinated responses to the following:
Human Fertilisation Embryology Authority - on hybrids
The HFEA held a major public consultation on Hybrids and Chimeras – A consultation on the ethical and social implications of creating human/animal embryos in research. The written aspects were online only and CMF made a brief submission, but several members spoke at a major public meeting in London. On 5 September the HFEA controversially announced permission for the creation of hybrids even before Parliament had considered the matter.
Joint parliamentary pre-legislative scrutiny committee - on the HTE Bill
Against a particularly tight deadline, CMF made a major submission (www.cmf.org.uk
General Medical Council - on consent
Like an increasing number of bodies, the GMC is holding its consultations online. CMF made a brief submission (www.cmf.org.uk
Tooke Enquiry - on Modernising Medical Careers
The CMF submission (www.cmf.org.uk
House of Commons Science and Technology Committee - on abortion
Against another tight deadline, and over the summer holiday period, this Committee (which is to be disbanded in November) invited submissions into Scientific developments relating to the Abortion Act 1967. Because of Parliamentary rules, CMF cannot publish this yet, but a very powerful evidence-based case was made concerning the harms done to women by abortion. See comment elsewhere in this autumn's mailings.
At the time of finalising CMF News we were about to consult on:
General Medical Council - on Personal Beliefs and Medical Practice
European Union - on organ donation and transplantation
Andrew Fergusson is Head of Communications
Publications
Allister Vale writes...
Can it be me?
Dr Marjory Foyle's autobiography is a great missionary story. The book has attracted widespread reviews and notices since it was published in January 2007 and has already been reprinted. Marjory Foyle spent over 30 years as a medical missionary in India and Nepal and is widely recognised as an expert on the nature of stress and how it affects Christians working in cross-cultural situations. If you have not yet read this book or given a copy away please do so!
Mad, Bad or Sad?
This book edited by Dominic Beer and Nigel Pocock was published in December 2006. While it is essential reading for all psychiatrists, all thinking Christians will benefit from reading it. It has sold well and has attracted favourable reviews. Please buy a copy and discover why others have found it to be so valuable.
The Shepherd is my Lord
CMF published Dr Janet Goodall's thought provoking book on Psalm 23 this spring. Janet's life-long habit of applying detailed knowledge of Scripture to everyday life and situations is spread across the pages. Intermingled with this wisdom are fascinating stories from her career in paediatrics, alongside tales gleaned from her myriad life experiences and travels. Have you ordered copies to give away? This book could be read with profit by all church members.
These books may be ordered via Amazon or CMF. Book sales so far this year exceed £20,000 though we are short of our target so please buy these excellent books! A major mailing is planned soon to the top 150 UK Christian bookshops.
New books
Several books are in advanced preparation and are due for publication late this year or early in 2008:
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Robina Coker is making very good progress on her new book, which will be published by CMF at Christmas.
Foundations
Rachael Pickering is editing this important new book for juniors due out early in 2008.
Handbook for Christian Medical Teachers
Huw Morgan has completed a first draft of this book which is not about what to teach, but about how Christians can teach.
Allister Vale is CMF Publications Chairman
