Free Methodist Medical Fellowship

We celebrate the success of our annual fall consultation.  The 41st Annual
Consultation convened September 28-29, 2001 on Greenville College campus
with almost seventy in attendance.  Drs. Robert Cranston and David Crane
presented the topic  "Bioethical Decisions and Today's Christian."
Bioethical issues have been high profile news in the past decade as
witnessed by the issues related to cloning, stem cell research, and
reproductive technology.  Dr. Cranston challenged us to be informed on
bioethical issues, to make our views known in our communities, and to be
aware of opportunities for discussion of these issues through the media.  He
further challenged us to carefully consider the issues of our time and to
prayerfully consider how God would direct us in addressing these issues in
our private and public lives.

Dr. Crane presented the issue of abortion from the point of view of the
unborn baby.  A reader, herself the mother of four boys, cried out the
thoughts of a child in utero.  Crane offered the commentary related to the
bioethical issues involved.  We were reminded that the sanctity of life is
the critical issue in bioethics and were offered an approach to counsel
those faced with decisions related to abortion.

A curriculum by the same name, Bioethical Decisions and Today's Christian,
by Dr. Cranston can be downloaded from the Free Methodist Website
  (See our BIOETHICS LINK ON FMMF WEB PAGE or in left column.)
This curriculum was initially developed as Dr. Cranston presented the issues
of bioethics to a Bible study class at his church in Champaign-Urbana.  It
will help in understanding the following topics:
Abortion and Our Response
Infertility and Assisted Reproduction
Genetics Dilemmas
Quality of Life vs. Sanctity of Life
The Christian Response to AIDS
Brain death, Organ Transplants, and NHBODP
Futility of Care
Advanced Directives
Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide
Rationing of Care

Dr. Crane is now presenting the same course at the John Wesley Free
Methodist Church in Indianapolis.  We would encourage you to present a study
of bioethical issues to your Bible study group.
 

Thank You Greenville College

Greenville College served as the host for this year’s consultation.  Becky
Tracy, from the alumni office, pulled together all the details which allowed
Consultation 2001 to take place.  Professor Marie Siefken and Dr. William
Ahern served on the host planning committee.  Dr. Chris Woods led in praise
and worship.  Dr. Cranston, who was one of our speakers, also helped in an
advisory role, bringing to mind details which needed to be attended to.
Thanks also to Dr. David Crane, whose friendship I value, for agreeing to
come as one of our speakers.  Finally, thank you Dr. Robert Cranston, Sr.
and President James Mannoia for assisting as well.