Blog 2023 Malcolm Blair-Robinson

The Church Of England

There is renewed controversy over the potential appointment of a gay bishop. What marks the C of E out from the Roman Catholic church is the simple fact that the latter believes that religious doctrine and faith are set in the fundamental interpretations of the New Testament as written, which do not vary with time and human evolution. The Church of England was founded on the principle that people and therefore faith must evolve together.

Thus on issues such as divorce, contraception, abortion and so on, it has modified it formal position in accordance with the moral standards of the country of which it is a constitutional pillar. In looking at moral standards it now  (but did not always)  sees that it is not defensible to deny those who are gay, female or black. Indeed to do so is not only against the law of the land, but it is also against an enlightened interpretation of the Law of God.

For this reason those who argue against gay bishops, women priests or both should leave the Church of England forthwith. They are no longer welcome here, because we do not recognise the faith they proclaim. There are plenty of opportunities to cross to Rome or elsewhere, but to remain and cause endless argument, often narrow and bigoted, should cease to be an option.

The NHS

The reforms proposed by the Government to put GPs in charge of the patient and therefore where and how they should be referred, returns to the basic principle of healthcare. This is that the two people  at the core of a coherent approach to solving health issues are the personal doctor and the patient. Between them they decide what to do next in a caring, practical and cost effective world, which gives primacy to patient well being.  At present the communication between doctor, patient and hospital is interrupted by the bureaucratic overlay of Primary Care Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities, which is costly and inefficient. Worse it has become an industry in itself, with the patient as little more than a passing statistic like a traveller in a motorway diner.

Apparently £80 billion is to be released to GPs, much more of which will be available to fund treatment than at present.There will be protests and many jobs will go. For those who will need to re-establish a new career one must have sympathy, but restoring the balance in favour of front line care is long overdue.

These proposals are exactly on the principles set out in my book 2010 A Blueprint For Change. It looks as if at least somebody read it. Or maybe it is just that Great Minds……..!