Party Conference Events

Prayer Breakfasts, Blackpool - 1st to 3rd Oct 07

Each morning at party conference was an early start for the CCF with a prayer breakfast in St Johns Church. As well as a time to pray, there was a short reflection given by an M.P. Firstly, Michael Jack M.P. spoke about our responsibility for the environment and the difficult choices to be made for the collective good.

On Tuesday morning a delegation from the Free Churches Group hosted the prayer breakfast on the theme of poverty. David Lidington M.P and Commissioner Elizabeth Matear, from the Salvation Army, both spoke of the need to address both spiritual and physical poverty in the UK and abroad.

On the final morning Caroline Spelman, M.P., Conservative Party Chairman, led a devotion on the need for all Christians involved in politics to act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with the Lord. It was a really inspiring way to conclude the series of prayer breakfasts.

Local Councillors Training Day

Birmingham – Friday 5th October 2007

A small group of CCF members who serve as local councillors met for a time of reflection and training. The morning focused on being disciples in the workplace and how to discern and deliver vision as a local councillor. Alistair Burt M.P. (Deputy Chairman, local government) gave 2 hours of his time to speak on the future of local government and answer many questions.

Engagement in Public Life Seminar

Birmingham – Saturday 6th October 2007

Bishop Derek Webley, Bishop Joe Aldred and Caroline Spelman M.P were among the speakers at this seminar. Bishop Webley delivered an inspiring speech on “Black Christians and Political Engagement.” This seminar is part of the CCF seeking to serve the church and help equip people for a role in public life. Eight different areas of public service were covered in this “whistle stop tour” and the feedback from attendees has been very positive. The CCF is looking to repeat this seminar in London in 2008.

Discussion Supper

London – Tuesday 9th October 2007

Graeme Leach, Chief Economist from the Institute of Directors and columnist in “The Difference” spoke on “Shrinking the state – a Christian perspective.” This was a fascinating and intellectually stimulating evening with much discussion and many questions from the floor. Mr. Leach will be writing an article on the same theme in the forthcoming edition of The Difference.

CCF Seminar on The Tissues Bill

London – Thursday 18th October 2007

David Burrowes M.P. and Prof. John Haldane spoke on the legal and ethical issues surrounding this controversial piece of legislation. Prof. Haldane gave a compelling outline of the philosophical basis underlying the Bill. Members of the audience were given information to equip them when talking to their MPs.

Prayer Meeting

London – Tuesday 23rd October 2007

This is the first monthly, rather than quarterly, CCF prayer meeting in Parliament. The CCF is based on prayer and we do hope that these regular events will be well attended

CCF Discussion Supper with Graeme Leach