It's only three weeks since the last edition but with a lot happening, please scan down and click on links of interest:
National Student Conference
We had a great time with over 400 at Swanwick. The weather had cleared and travel went well, though there was still snow on the ground. Steve Brady's Bible talks from Revelation inspired us all to 'live in the light of the future' and key issues at the interface of Christianity and medicine were explored in seminars. We also began filming for the forthcoming Introducing CMF DVD.
Nurse suspended for offering prayer
Caroline Petrie made headline news for a week before she was reinstated. With others, CMF was approached for comment by several national newspapers and continues to support and be in touch with Caroline.
Religion or Belief: a practical guide for the NHS
This controversial Department of Health guidance came out on 9 January. CMF welcomes the respect for religious observance in the workplace, but has expressed concern about the potential for disciplinary action against staff who raise spiritual matters.
Hybrids won't work anyway
Not only is embryonic stem cell research not the way to go, on scientific as well as ethical grounds, but on 2 February a major scientific paper revealed that the hard-fought-for animal-human hybrids are not a source of viable stem cells anyway.
Euthanasia 1. Coroners and Justice Bill
This is now at Public Bill Committee stage in the Commons, and as expected an amendment has been tabled. It removes the word 'assist' from the government's intended prohibition of action to 'encourage or assist' suicide. This would change the law not just in respect of so-called 'mercy' killing in any medical setting, but in every context. One could not encourage suicide but anybody could assist somebody who had made up their mind.
Euthanasia 2. PAS in Scotland
Margo MacDonald MSP's public consultation remains open until 9 March. Individual doctor submissions, especially from Scotland, will have a big impact.
Euthanasia 3. RCN Poll on assisted suicide
On 16 February the Royal College of Nursing launched a members' consultation. There is a briefing document on their site. Please encourage appropriate nursing colleagues to respond and reject it. Read Care Not Killing's review.
Euthanasia 4. Debbie Purdy loses Appeal
On 19 February, Debbie Purdy lost her Appeal Court case to 'clarify the law on assisted suicide'. She was refused permission to appeal to the House of Lords. As Peter Saunders wrote,'the law is both clear and right'. Read Care Not Killing's review of the judgement.
Cholera in Zimbabwe
The Appeal has now raised nearly £26,000 and we are pressing on towards £30,000 to treat 5,000 patients. Thanks for your support!
CMF at New Word Alive
We have heard of members planning to be at one or other conference week: 30 March-4 April and 4-9 April. See you there?
Direct Debits – 724 and rising!
We have now had 335 online completions and 389 paper ones. Done yours yet?
Introducing CMF brochure
Last week all graduate members should have received two copies, together with a National Conference brochure, in a letter from Peter Saunders. Students will get theirs soon. Please encourage Christian colleagues to join – we've had one so far!
Forthcoming events
- 7 March: Allocating scarce resources, Cambridge day conference. Details
- 7 March: Saline Solution day conference, Sheffield. Details
- 24-26 April: Joy in turbulent times, national conference, Swanwick. Details
- 24-26 April: Medicine of the Person annual conference, Pershore. Details
- See and pray for all events
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law. (Proverbs 29:18)
