Christian Doctors declare Strong Link Between Personal Spirituality and Physical Health

The Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) has started to run a series of day conferences in May/June 2004 around the UK. The Saline Solution roadshows are shown on 23rd June and 24th June in Liverpool and Manchester respectively.

The Saline Solution is being run as part of a series of day-time conferences, which are taught in an interactive style. It will be led by Peter Saunders, CMF General Secretary; Kevin Vaughan, CMF Associate General Secretary; and Jeremy Franklin, CMF Pastoral Secretary.

Christians are called on to be 'the salt of the earth' - flavouring life with grace. Saline Solution is aiming to help Christian doctors and other healthcare professionals bring their faith into consultation; and draw patients in a natural way one step closer to a relationship with God. It originated from the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA)-- CMF's American sister organisation.

So far it has helped hundreds of doctors to be more comfortable and adept at practising medicine that addresses the needs of the whole person.

A recent British Medical Journal editorial claimed that spiritual values and skills are increasingly recognised as necessary aspects of clinical care; while a new study by the Economic and Social Research Council, based at Loughborough University, found that recently bereaved older people were less likely to succumb to depression if they had a strong sense of belief and personal meaning.

Peter Saunders, General Secretary of the CMF, said: "Every Christian doctor has a unique opportunity to improve both the physical and spiritual health of their patients, but many feel frustrated by the challenge of integrating their faith and practice within the time constraints of the daily schedule. Saline Solution is helping doctors to bring their faith into their work in an appropriate but effective way."

The General Medical Council has ruled that sharing faith with patients is fine as long as it is done in an appropriate and sensitive way. Further Saline Solution events are planned for the autumn, at locations throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) was founded in 1949, and aims to unite Christian doctors to pursue the highest ethical standards in Christian and professional life, and to increase faith in Christ and acceptance of his ethical teaching. Today CMF has over 5,000 British doctor members in all branches of medicine, and over 1,000 student members.