UK & Ireland in Brief

New treatments for osteoporosis and broken bones are in sight after groundbreaking research using ethical stem cells was released in July.

Researchers at the University of Glasgow and the University of the West of Scotland found that vibrating adult stem cells at low frequency results in them turning into bone cells, which can be implanted in a damaged area to aid repair. It is hoped that the technique could be used to encourage healing within the body, without need of surgery and could be ready for testing within three years.

The campaign group ‘Don’t Screen Us Out’ wrote an open letter to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt in July, asking him to consider the concerns of many regarding new prenatal testing for Down’s syndrome.

It is thought that the test, if implemented, will lead to an increase of babies who are diagnosed with Down’s syndrome being aborted.

Anyone who wants to change the gender recorded on their passport will soon be able to do so as easily as if they were changing their name, following a government announcement in July.

Currently, if someone wants to change their stated sex they have to provide a doctor’s letter to prove that they are permanently living as the opposite sex.

Friends International has announced the appointment of its new National Director, Alan Tower, who began the role on 1 September 2016.

Alan has been working for the last 23 years with Latin Link, as Team Leader in Britain and Ireland and then more recently as International Team Leader. Alan, who is married to Margaret with four children, has a Masters in Business Administration from Heriot Watt University and a Diploma in Biblical and Cross-Cultural studies from All Nations Christian College.

Christian Charity Counties announced the appointment of its new CEO Martin Erwin on 26 July.

Mr Erwin, a former Counties evangelist in Hereford and Worcester, is married to Rachel with three daughters. He joined Counties in 1991. Glyn Davies, chair of Counties trustees, said they are ‘delighted’ to have been able to appoint Martin to the role.

The Isle of Man has brought in new legislation to allow couples of the opposite sex to enter into a civil partnership.

It is the first part of the British Isles to do so and follows its decision in May to legalise same sex marriage.

Peter Bull, the guesthouse owner whose legal battle to defend biblical marriage went all the way to the Supreme Court, has died peacefully in hospital aged 76.

A same-sex couple launched legal proceedings against Peter and Hazelmary after being refused a double bed in September 2008. Although the Bulls lost the legal case, their Christian witness has challenged people across the UK to remain faithful to the Lord Jesus in their own workplaces.

Transform Work UK published a booklet called ‘Setting Up a Christian Workplace Group’ in July.

It builds on the charity’s experience of working with over 400 groups in the UK. The booklet aims to give helpful tips on what to consider when starting a Christian workplace group.