ICMDA Europe-Eurasia Conference
From 61 countries, more than 600 doctors and dentists and other health professionals gathered in the beautiful Austrian Alpine town of Schladming from 7-14 September. There were superb Bible readings and talks, the most ambitious seminar programme ever, and inspirational times of worship and fellowship. More later.
HFE Bill returns to Parliament
Parliament resumes on 6 October and the HFE Bill may be finalised as early as a week later. There is a real fear abortion law will be further liberalised. We are grateful to partner organisations for excellent resources for you to get updated, to inform others, and to contact MPs and the PM:
• Update briefing and sample letters from CCFON:
'Under Pressure' public information leaflet from SPUC:
Could you distribute them in your street and around?
•Updates from Passion for Life:
For bulk supplies of their new postcards to be sent to MPs, email
Changes in the office
There has been much staff turnover: Martin Parsons has joined as membership administrator to replace Sandra Hartley who returned to the Midlands after 26 years at CMF; Robert Yaxley is starting on 20 October as full time web manager to replace Jacky Engel who is resuming full time study; Vicky Lavy has replaced Peter Armon to head international work; Eleanor Orr will be starting on 14 October part time as an accountant; and Sarah Whitaker, with us for several months, will be taking over in graduate ministries from Judy Wilson who leaves after 18 years for new opportunities. As we thank them all (details in December's CMF News), we thank you for praying staff in! Our biggest prayer request now is for:
New Head of Student Ministries
Returning to clinical work for professional reasons, and to York for family reasons, Mark Pickering will be leaving the leadership of student work by the time of the national student conference next February. Please pray for his successor – details soon, but informal approaches welcomed now. Other student department moves: staffworkers Helen Lane and Roxy Whelan return to full time medicine, as do interns Joanna Johnson and Ruth Whiteman; and we welcome Newcastle student Will Taylor as a one-year intern, and GP Laurence Crutchlow as a part time staffworker in the south east.
Could you speak occasionally about your career to young people?
A great opportunity! Growing Ambitions is looking for volunteers to speak about medical careers for occasional half hours in schools, colleges, and universities near them.
Upcoming events:
All upcoming CMF conferences and events
This Saturday, 27 September – Prescription for spiritual pain, Birmingham, WholeCare
7 October, Protecting people lacking mental capacity – first AGM of Public Guardian Board, London. Details and invitation: email
Sunday 19 October brings two church opportunities –
Promote 'Micah Challenge' for MDG delivery on Micah Sunday
Promote prayer for the NHS, health professionals, and the global picture on Health Care Sunday
27 October, public debate in Scotland on Physician Assisted Suicide
And finally
In August, CMF's concern about the provision of healthcare for failed asylum seekers was reported favourably in The Observer
Thank you for being part of CMF. As we all start a busy new season, let us remember that 'Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain' (Psalm 127:1)
