CCF Scotland Burke Address

On Thursday 9th November CCF members in Scotland gathered in Edinburgh to hear Murdo Fraser, Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives speak on the topic "Faith in Scottish Politics: Past, Present & Future". Murdo's speech emphasised the fact that Christians should engage in all the main political parties rather than establishing a "Christian Party". CCF Executive Director Elizabeth Berridge traveled from London to attend the event and enjoyed meeting many members and non members alike.

Development Programme Weekend Two

This month the 13 participants on the Development Programme visited Birmingham where they spent a day working with drug and alcohol rehabilitation charity, Betel. Betel is a community which restores homeless or substance-dependent people to independent, productive lives. The charity's objective is to help residents rebuild their own lives through community responsibility and shared decision making. As residents' motivation and stability improve, they are given more responsibility and their example helps to encourage less-experienced residents. The result is a community that is increasingly peer-motivated and guided, whilst always under staff oversight.

The Christian values and foundation on which the Centre is built means everyone gains exposure to the Gospel. Most realise that only through the love and healing power of Christ can their lives be made whole again and consequently convert.

As part of the programme at Betel, after a fortnight of settling in to life at the centre, residents start working in one of their many projects and businesses, which include furniture repair, restoration and upholstery; house removals and clearances; garden maintenance and landscaping; painting and decorating; charity shop retail sales; and vehicle repair. Members of the Development Programme spent a day involved in some of these activities, with the group dividing and working alongside Betel residents in the charity shops and furniture restoration workshops, as well at the residences themselves.

The participants also spent time with Dr Martin Parsons, a former aid worker in Afghanistan and Pakistan, learning about Islam in Britain.

Discussion Supper with Baroness O'Cathain

CCF members were joined by Baroness O'Cathain, a noted economist, for our November Discussion Supper. Having served on the board of a number of prominent companies, Baroness O'Cathain spoke on "Christianity in Economics" and answered a range of questions from the audience.

CCF at the Festival of Life

This month the CCF made it's second ever visit to the Redeemed Christian Church of God's Festival of Life, held at the Excel Centre in East London. The event attracts over 30 000 attendees from black majority churches in the space of a single night of worship, prayer and teaching.

Participants on Development Programme weekend 2