The week of 6-12 September 2022 will long be held up as one of the most noteworthy ones in the recent history of the United Kingdom. We started the week with one Prime Minister and the Queen; we finished it with a new Prime Minster and a new King. The sad death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September marked the end not just of a seventy-year era that has seen unprecedented change in British society but also the end of a life dedicated to the service of her nation and her God. As the Archbishop of Canterbury said at her funeral, 'Her Late Majesty's example was not set through her position or her ambition, but through whom she followed'. [2] Her example of serving Christ in her work exemplifies the Christ-centred, servant-hearted leadership and professionalism CMF seeks to encourage and share. [3]

Whatever your political beliefs and views about the British Monarchy, few could disagree that the death of Queen Elizabeth II marked a significant point of transition for the UK. Such transitions are always stressful, but we seem to face them on multiple fronts right now. Overseas there are wars in Ukraine, Yemen, Armenia, and the Horn of Africa, among others; at home, it is runaway inflation and failing public institutions, including our health and social care services; there are environmental disasters on multiple fronts; and still lurking in the background is the COVID-19 pandemic. As Paul urges us in 1 Timothy 2:1-3, we need to pray for King Charles III and the new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, as they assume their offices at a time of multiple crises nationally and internationally.

Times of change and uncertainty, then. But also of opportunity. When God takes us through such seasons of transition, they can become doorways leading to transformation and renewal. Even if we cannot see it at the time, even if we would not choose the path we are on or the situation we are in, God works out his purposes. Although we often only see those purposes as we look back.

In this edition, we consider several such transitions. Transitions between countries and healthcare systems; transitioning into the role of a health worker amid war and instability; returning home after years overseas; becoming a parent, or transitioning to retirement; all these changes are moments when God can open our eyes and stretch our boundaries.

Some transitions, however, are more global and less personal. One such is the rapid pace of technological innovation in every area of life, not least in medicine. Talking to an old friend recently, I was fascinated at how much their practice (and their own health) is being affected by genomic sequencing and what this is already achieving in preventative and personalised medicine. [4] We are transitioning into an era of personalised medicine and the emergence of new treatments and diagnostics that offer both great hope and profound ethical challenges.

In the spring 2023 edition of Triple Helix, we will look at these new technologies, their impact on health and healthcare, and how we live and practise our faith. Do get in touch if you would be interested in contributing anything to the next edition. [5]

Which is apt because this is the last edition of Triple Helix that you will see in this format. We are moving with the technology and how people read these days to widen the reach and depth of content in Triple Helix. From the next edition, we will have a new layout and design and a digital-first approach to publishing. What does this mean? In keeping with many medical and nursing journals, the paper edition will still be printed, but not all the articles will appear in it. Some articles will appear in print only as shorter versions. Many more and longer articles will be published first on the CMF website.

You will notice we have already started doing that in this edition. We will say more in the coming weeks and months, so keep your eyes on CMF E-News and the website over the autumn and winter.

As we look ahead, whatever the transitions we are going through, let us all keep our eyes focused on Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

The Editorial Team