In order to encourage Christians to get more involved in party politics, and to equip them to make a more biblically informed contribution, Bible Society recently launched the Partisan booklets at the three main party conferences.
On the Monday evening of Conference it was wonderful to watch so many friends from the Birmingham churches pouring into the splendid surroundings of the Town Hall for the Annual Conference Service until the ground floor was filled and the gallery had to take up the over spill. There were 650 people who attended the service – the largest fringe event of the conference – and it was obvious from their enthusiastic part
On Saturday 4th March CCF Acting Executive Director, Alexandra Wilkinson, arrived at St. Peters Community Hall to help with the Conservatives Social Action project: 'Green Fingers', which aimed to renovate the church's surrounding gardens. Many Conservative Future members also attended, as well as Cabinet Minister, Caroline Spelman MP, and thanks to everyone's hard work, the garden has been transformed.
On Saturday 26th February participants on the Under 35s Development Course gathered in central London for the fifth instalment of the programme. They heard from Dr Sharon Dirckx, a scientist with a PhD in brain imaging from Cambridge University, who dealt with the complex issues on 'Human Freedom and Responsilbility'.
On Wednesday 9th February CCF trustee , Cllr Mrs Mary Douglas, and Acting Executive Director, Alexandra Wilkinson spoke at a regional event in Bristol. After dinner had finished everyone gathered in the main room to hear Mary talk on the subject of ‘Should Christians engage in politics?’ Mary outlined the central reasons why Christians tend not to get involved in politics, but then went on to explain why Christians should.
On 16th February, CCF Acting Executive Director, Alexandra Wilkinson and local CCF member Andy Milligan met with a wider group of CCF members and friends in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire for the first meeting of the newly established CCF South Hampshire Region.
A group of twenty people from different Churches in Eastbourne attended the first regional CCF meeting on Monday 28th February. It was exciting to see that there is a clear commitment to form an on-going group that will meet on a regular basis.
Director Robin worked internationally as an engineer before starting a business focused on transforming local government. Work helps reduce demands for expensive services including health and critical services to families and young people. Robin is an approved Parliamentary Candidate, an experienced Councillor and former Mayor of Newmarket. He led the multi-£M Home of Horse Racing project, co-founded the Newmarket Festival CIC and initiated the successful "Let's Read!" campaign in Newmarket schools.
Director
Jeremy Lefroy was elected as the MP for Stafford in May 2010. Jeremy is a member of the Common's International Development Select Committee. Prior to his Parliamentary involvement, he had worked since 1986 in the coffee and cocoa business, including for eleven years in Tanzania. He is a co-founder and trustee of the charity Equity for Africa and serves as a non-executive director of the fair trade company Twin. He is a Trustee and supporter of Stafford Works, a charity that seeks to tackle unemployment - for more information, their website.He attends Newcastle-under-Lyme Baptist Church where he helps with the young people’s work. He and Janet live with their two children in Keele, Staffordshire.
