This week, Sally and Ben discuss the recently released film, ‘ Wicked’, and in particular, the film’s counter-cultural emphasis on friendship. They also survey the latest news on the Assisted Dying Bill and how they're thinking about it now that it has passed its second reading.

 References:

In the show, Ben and Sally mention that the Bill passed with a majority of 55 MPs – that means that just 28 MPs would need to shift from a 'yes' to a 'no' vote (or abstain) to see this defeated at the third reading. The article below shows that some MPs who voted 'yes' (more than 28) did so while stating public concerns. They could switch their vote if their concerns cannot be addressed by the committee stage:

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/assisted-dying-mps-vote-bill-b2656510.html

Transforming Friendship: Investing in the Next Generation- Lessons from John Stott and others, book by John Wyatt

https://ivpbooks.com/transforming-friendship 

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In this episode, Drs Felicia Wong and Grace Petkovic explore the significance of menstruation from a theological perspective. They delve into the hormonal cycle,  discuss societal taboos, and the negative narratives often associated with menstruation. 

Fur further reading:

• In the Flow by Alisa Vitti 

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In the final talk of the CMF National Conference, Dan Strange covers the theme 'Idol comments'. Listen now!

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Alice is a palliative care specialist. In a speciality that has always focused on touch, close personal interaction and open access visiting, COVID-19 and social distancing measures have totally changed the way that she is caring for the dying and the bereaved. It is taking a toll on her team as well as on dying patients and their families. As she goes into these difficult situations, how does her faith equip her to respond in such a time as this?

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Mental health is a big issue in the current crisis. Today we talk to Hans, a psychiatrist from Switzerland. Uncertainties about the illness, its effects on us and our loved ones, on our livelihoods, on everyday life, can all lead to anxiety and isolation. How can we cope with these strains on our mental health? Are there positive challenges and opportunities to be discovered in these situations? 

You can find out more about ICMDA at https://icmda.net and at our COVID-19 blogs at https://cmf.li/COVID19blogs

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What about those who aren't on the COVID-19 frontline?

Steve works at CMF and is a consultant neuro-rehabilitation specialist. He was due to go into partial retirement just as the lockdown began, and found himself at home with no clinical role and watching his colleagues putting their lives on the line to care for patients. How has this affected him? What is he doing now, and how are the non-COVID patients he sees dealing with the situation? It's not just some health workers who feel sidelined. And, in the midst of all of this, what does Steve hear God saying?

You can read Steve's blog Sidelined? Or waiting for God’s time to serve?

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Tom is a senior consultant in pain medicine, specialising in portable devices that help manage chronic pain. Although he practised for many years in the US, he is now working in the UK. How is COVID-19 having an impact on his work? How does he see his faith equipping him to meet the needs of his patients?

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Lee is a neonatologist, working with very premature babies who need intensive support in the first weeks of life. He recently volunteered to work at the London Nightingale Hospital, working with adults on ventilators with COVID-19. He supports more junior staff who are less experienced in nursing ventilated patients. How does he reconcile his Christian faith with the suffering he sees as a result of COVID-19?

Remember to #ClapandPray with us on social media on Thursdays from 20:10  (8:10 pm) UTC+1

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Rachael is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Manchester. Before the pandemic she was halfway through her neurology placement, but since COVID-19 interrupted her studies, she has been volunteering at the hospital, helping out in practical ways supporting clinical staff. With her studies suspended and the coming months looking really uncertain, how is her faith helping to keep her focused and grounded.

You can read more about CMF's student ministry at https://www.cmf.org.uk/students/

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Chelsea is a paediatric critical care nurse who has been re-deployed to an adult ICU caring for COVID-19 patients. What is it like moving from child to adult intensive care? What is it like working twelve-hour shifts in PPE with the most seriously ill COVID-19 patients? How is she processing all she has had to deal with over the last few weeks?

You can read more about CMF's nursing and midwifery ministry at https://www.cmf.org.uk/nurses/

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Ella is a redeployed ophthalmology trainee. She has been moved from her normal specialist training post in eye medicine to work on an acute COVID-19 ward and finds herself having to learn and re-lean a very different set of medical skills while getting to know a totally new clinical team and a new hospital. She was also expecting to get married soon but has had to cancel it and change major life plans at very short notice. How has her faith shaped her response to the frustrations and changes she is having to juggle at the moment.

See the CMF Juniors pages for more information about CMF's ministry to medical trainees from Foundation Years to Senior Trainees - https://www.cmf.org.uk/juniors/

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With Christians joining CMF from different backgrounds we recognise a diversity of views on many issues. How do we separate what is doctrine from what is preference? Or what is holy from what is heresy? What does it look like to disagree well and be united in our mission to be united and equipped to live and speak for Jesus Christ in medicine and nursing? 

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Tim is a clinical scientist with many years' experience in developing anti-viral drugs. He is currently heading clinical development for a UK pharmaceutical company. At the moment, many clinical trials are in suspension as the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown isolates vulnerable patient groups. 
At the same time, there is a significant re-deployment of people and resources to find drug candidates that will inhibit the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. 

As a Christian and a scientist, how does he harmonise his faith and science; do they have anything in common?

CMF recently produced an edition of our student magazine, nucleus, that focused on the relationship between faith and science. Read it at https://cmf.li/2NmQNRO, which includes links to many other resources on Christianity and science and their long and misunderstood relationship.

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Amidst today's cultural landscape, how can Christian healthcare professionals effectively address workplace challenges while being a blessing to those around us? What defines success in the eyes of God?

Join us in this plenary session as John Drew (Director of Staff Experience and Engagement at NHS England) shares personal insights, draws wisdom from Scripture, and integrates these with findings from staff surveys. Together, we will explore how to survive and thrive as God's ambassadors in healthcare. And how we do we do this with kindness and consistency amidst the inevitable tensions we face in healthcare leadership, and in so doing bear fruit that glorifies the Lord.

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CMF Catalyst Teams are local teams of Christian health workers coming together to help unite and equip fellow Christian health professionals live and speak for Christ in their workplaces. We speak to three Catalyst Team leaders from around the UK,  Noel, Brian and Angela, about how they are responding as Christians to the particular challenges of COVID-19 in their parts of the country.

You can find out more about Catalyst Teams at https://www.cmf.org.uk/catalyst-teams/

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Georgie is a surgical nurse in an acute surgery unit. They are seeing fewer patients, which raises the concern that people are staying away from hospital out of fear of COVID-19, increasing their risks from their current condition. At the same time, like many other health workers, COVID-19 is having a real impact on her family life. She is also busy supporting final year students suddenly put in the frontline through her role in CMF. How is she managing with these additional stresses and strains, and how can we pray for her and the students she supports? 

Georgie's blog, Uncertainty: our new normality, is available from https://cmf.li/3aceJjm

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Michael is GP in Sydney and is regional secretary for the International Christian Medical Dental Fellowship (ICMDA). 

Like many countries at the moment, Australia is on lockdown and practising social distancing in response to COVID-19. How are Australian Churches and Christian health professionals mobilising as part of the wider national response nationally and internationally?
 

Remember to join us every day at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) for #COVID1900Prayer, a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and the world as we respond to COVID-19

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On Saturday 25th April 2020, CMF hosted a National Online Gathering attended by nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals. In our keynote talk, Dr Patrick Dixon - author, business consultant, futurist, and chairman of Global Change Ltd - looks at Life Beyond COVID-19. What does the future hold and how should Christians think and act in these incredible times?

Links to resources related to Patrick's talk are available at https://cmf.li/2020NOGLinks

Remember to join us every day at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) for #COVID1900Prayer, a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and the world as we respond to COVID-19

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On Saturday 25th April 2020, CMF hosted a National Online Gathering attended by up to 1,000 healthcare professionals from the UK and beyond. In the morning talks, Pastor Jonty Allcock of the Globe Church in London walked us through the Book of Habakkuk looking at the question, ‘How long Lord? Finding hope in Christ when the storm clouds gather’. This is a timely prophetic call to the church in the midst of a time of crisis.

Links to resources related to Jonty's talk are available at https://cmf.li/2020NOGLinks

Remember to join us every day at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) for #COVID1900Prayer, a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and the world as we respond to COVID-19

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Steve is a specialist in addictions and runs a Christian project called KEYS that works with churches to support people to overcome their addictions in the local community. COVID-19 is making it harder for people recovering from addictions as social isolation creates anxiety and loss of income, driving some back into addictions. Steve's Christian faith is at the centre of his work and key to how those he supports are overcoming addictions and accessing support. How can we support vulnerable people dealing with addictive behaviour during the lockdown

For more information on Steve's project, KEYS, visit www.keysdetox.org or www.keysuk.org and www.livefromrest.com for the app

To register for online Freedom In Christ go to https://keys-detox-freedom-in-christ.eventbrite.co.uk

Social media:

Twitter - @keysdetox and #keysdetox and @livefromrest and #livefromrest for the app.

Remember to join us every day at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) for #COVID1900Prayer, a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and the world as we respond to COVID-19

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Ruth is a paediatric Occupational Therapist (OT), but with the advent of COVID-19, she has had to focus her work on those with the most physical needs. It is a very tough time for physically vulnerable children and their families, who are enduring social isolation and anxiety during the lockdown. But Ruth is now dealing with a range of clinical needs that an OT never normally has to, including learning how to manage death and the care of the dying. How does her faith help her to deal with these challenges?

Remember to join us every day at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) for #COVID1900Prayer, a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and the world as we respond to COVID-19

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Penney is a carer, supporting vulnerable adults in their own homes. Many of those she visits are fearful and anxious, yet there has been an increase the support and compassion being given by the wider community. At a time when we are supposed to be socially isolating, it is a real challenge to be the one going into people's homes, even to do essential care work. How does her faith give her courage and hope in the situation?
 

Remember to join us every day at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) for #COVID1900Prayer, a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and the world as we respond to COVID-19

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Daisy is a medical student but also works as a health advisor on the NHS111 helpline. This telephone helpline has been a vital part of helping the public get accurate health information and advice to avoid overloading GP surgeries and accident and emergency departments with non-urgent cases. How is her work making an impact, and how can we pray and support her and others doing this vital work?


Remember to join us every day at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) for #COVID1900Prayer, a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and the world as we respond to COVID-19

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Today, we have a compilation of short stories from members on how their teams are responding to COVID-19 challenges and how they are working together to support one another in new ways.

Remember to join us every day at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) for #COVID1900Prayer, a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and the world as we respond to COVID-19

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In the second talk of CMF National Conference 2024, Dan Strange takes us through Isaiah 41 and the theme of 'Identity: his and ours'. Listen now!

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‘I feel, therefore I am.' 

‘You do you.' 

Statements like this are commonplace in our culture in which our feelings define reality. Dr Jim Paul of L’Abri Fellowship explores the implications for issues such as transgender, euthanasia and others at the interface of faith and medicine.  

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Audrey is an ENT (ear, nose & throat) surgeon. Specialist teams like hers are being re-deployed to help manage the influx of COVID-19 patients, reducing the number of admissions as much as possible. With the sheer pressure and rapidity of change, how is she managing? And how is the situation opening up new opportunities and doorways?
 

Remember to join us every day at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) for #COVID1900Prayer, a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and the world as we respond to COVID-19

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Neil is a senior manager in the National Health Service (NHS) in London, leading a Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). COVID-19 has meant that all the priorities and planning for the NHS across the capital has changed, and Neil has been part of one of several teams managing this reorganisation. How does he find God working through his role at this time?
 

Remember to join us every day at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) for #COVID1900Prayer, a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and the world as we respond to COVID-19

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Helen is a GP in New Zealand who normally works with newly arrived asylum seekers. As COVID-19 becomes an emerging problem there, she is now re-deployed along with many others as part of a public health team. She is also an active member of the New Zealand Christian Medical Fellowship, which is also adapting to support its members as they respond to the crisis. How are Christians and medics in New Zealand responding to the crisis there?

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Dr Stephen is a public health consultant in Kampala, Uganda, working globally in fragile states. Uganda went into a coronavirus lockdown just days after he returned from a recent visit. How is lockdown affecting Uganda, the church and how are he and his family coping with the lockdown?

[Recorded 1 March 2020]

Remember to join us every day at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) for #COVID1900Prayer, a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and the world as we respond to COVID-19

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Graham and Christine work in a hospital chaplaincy team, providing spiritual care and support to patients and staff. COVID-19 has changed the way they can care significantly. Infection control means they cannot visit patients apart from exceptional circumstances. Caring for those who are seriously ill and isolated from loved ones is now very hard. Support for staff is also vital and is now the main focus of care. How can we engage with and support this largely invisible but vital behind the scenes role?

[recorded 1 April 2020]

CMF's Pastoral Care and Well-being programme is a pastoral care resource for health professionals of all faiths and none - more details at https://cmf.li/PCWP or email wellbeing@cmf.org.uk 

Remember to join us every day at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) for #COVID1900Prayer, a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and the world as we respond to COVID-19

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Alison is a nurse/midwife working in Southern Laos as part of a health and education project. Until recently, COVID-19 has not seemed like a big problem in Laos, but in the last week the national government has stepped up its response, despite the lack of resources to protect staff and treat the very sick. Alison and her team have sought to help the local community and local hospital prepare, but many challenges remain. In these uncertain times, how can we support and pray for the least resourced nations facing COVID-19?[recorded 31 March 2020]
 

Remember to join us every day at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) for #COVID1900Prayer, a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and the world as we respond to COVID-19

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Alice is a trainee anaesthetist in the East of England. She is now solely working in critical care as the number of people with COVID-19 being admitted increases. Managing changing guidelines and limited access to equipment with limited control can create stresses and a sense of helplessness for all involved. How is her faith in Christ helping her to manage the situation without giving in to negativity?

[recorded 31 March 2020]

Alice's blog Facing coronavirus (COVID-19): the practicalities of critical illness and the reality of our mortality is available now.

Remember to join us every day at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) for #COVID1900Prayer, a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and the world as we respond to COVID-19

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Abi is a perinatal psychiatrist (looking after mums and babies) in London. During a lockdown, vulnerable mothers face particular challenges, yet can only access services remotely. Maintaining services and communications with colleagues as well as patients creates particular problems. How can we pray for and support new mothers and those with mental health needs at this time
[recorded 31 March 2020]

Remember to join us at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) every day for #COVID1900Prayer - a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and our world during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Dr Alva is a TB specialist with a nationwide role, as well as a leader in the Indonesian Christian Medical and Dental Association and the national Christian students' ministry. As a minority in a predominantly Muslim nation, what contribution can Christian health professionals make as COVID-19 becomes a growing health challenge?
[Recorded 31 March 2020]

Remember to join us at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) every day for #COVID1900Prayer - a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and our world during the coronavirus pandemic.

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In the first talk of CMF National Conference 2024, Dan Strange takes us through Isaiah 40 and the theme of 'The Great Big God'. Listen now!

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The well-being of doctors, midwives and nurses has become a very topical issue. The General Medical Council has recently released a report looking at the systemic and organisational factors that lead to clinician stress. The British Medical Association is providing a 24/7 helpline and access to counselling services. But what about the Christian perspective? Do CMF members maintain their well-being in their workplaces? How do we support Christian clinicians to continue to live and speak for Jesus? And how do we care for the carers in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic?

You can find out more details about CMF's Pastoral Care and Well-being ministry at https://cmf.li/PCWP

Remember to join us at 7 pm (BST/UTC+1) every day for #COVID1900Prayer - a chance to pray for health workers, our nation and our world during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Khara is an internal medicine doctor working in Barbados, where the COVID-19 pandemic is still in its early stages. How are health systems in the Caribbean managing and how are they seeking to limit the pandemic? What gives Khara hope in the face of the mounting strains on healthcare in Barbados and across the Caribbean?

[recorded 26 March 2020 - please not the audio quality of this podcast is not up to our usual standards due to technical issues with recording transatlantically]

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Ed works in an accident and emergency department (A&E) in a major city. He is seeing fewer patients turning up due to social isolation but also dealing with more seriously ill patients with COVID-19. Despite the changing work profile and the pressures he faces, he is not fearful. What is the source of his confidence?
[recorded 26 March 2020]

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Santhosh is a consultant physician on the India/Nepal border and is the South Asia and Training Coordinator of our global network, the International Christian Medical and Dental Association (ICMDA). India is now on lockdown - how is this having an impact on the hospital, the patients and the community? How will they manage a surge of COVID-19 patients in a resource-poor setting? How are Christian hospitals coping, and what is God showing them in this situation?

[recorded 26 March 2020]

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David is a medical registrar in London. As more and more patients with covid symptoms are turning up at the hospital, they are having to rapidly change their clinical priorities and planning. How is he finding God at work in the circumstances?

[recorded 24 March 2020]

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Naomi is an international medical student in Limerick, Ireland. A few weeks from final exams and placements she finds herself unable to return home to Canada or to finish her studies. In the face of this, what opportunities to serve is God opening up for her in Ireland?

[recorded 25 March 2020]

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Beth is a midwife working in the Philippines. She faces the daily challenge of caring for vulnerable mothers and newborns with limited equipment and other resources as it is. How will COVID-19 affect her and her patients?

[recorded 20 March 2020]

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Zack is a medical student, whose exams have been cancelled, and who may soon be called upon to help in practice. What does COVID-19 mean for health professionals in training?

[recorded 19 March 2020]

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Adi is an ITU nurse. His team are gearing up for the increased number of people with major respiratory problems as a result of COVID1-9 infection. How does his faith prepare him for the challenges ahead?
[recorded 20 March 2020]

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In the first of a special series of podcasts telling the stories of CMF members working at the frontline of the response to COVID-19 in the UK and around the world, we talk to James, a GP (family doctor) who shares the pressures being faced by general practices and community health services as the COVID-19 outbreak intensifies and guidance changes on an almost daily basis. How does being a Christian really make a difference in this situation.

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In his final talk at CMF Juniors' Conference, Matt Lillicrap speaks of 'Homebound Truth' inspired by John 14.

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At what feels like an unprecedented time in our history, how do Christians in healthcare respond to a global pandemic? Professor John Wyatt outlines the source of our strength to serve in costly ways, even risking our lives. He draws lessons from history when Christians have been at the forefront of treating the sick in plagues and pandemics, including birthing the whole nursing profession.

You can read more about this on a CMF blog, Christianity in a time of plague that John has just published.

Join with us at 19:00 (7 pm UTC) each day to pray for frontline workers, our nation and the world as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic at #COVID1900Prayer

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Dr James Tomlinson helps us explore the opportunities and challenges for Christians in leadership. What should distinguish us as Christians leaders? Is leadership in clinical practice as valid as in the church? Why should we even consider leading in this context? 

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We speak to a RAF doctor about his research on men and women during arduous training. How do men and women perform differently? What are the implications for how we think about equality and diversity and what are the implications for a Christian worldview?

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