Tough on cannabis
12th May 2008
Sir, I support the Government's intention to raise cannabis to category B. As a hospital manager for over ten years and operating under the Mental Health Act (1983), I see almost weekly people sectioned because of mental illness and who either need their section renewed or are appealing against detention. Rarely do I see a teenager or young man who has not taken or who is not taking cannabis. Those rare occasions where cannabis is not used the committee remark upon it. For those vulnerable youngsters the results are tragic.. Bright futures are destroyed and the prospects for them are a life of using the mental health services during recurring episodes of their illness. Employment at best is poor or often non-existent.
I agree with the advisory council that a full educational programme showing the possible effects of smoking cannabis should be undertaken. In my opinion heroin addiction is preferable to cannabis in that heroin treatment can be successful, but once cannabis has triggered a mental illness there is no cure on offer. .
THE REV DR ANTHONY J. CARR
Solihull
Broadside at Christian Seemed Ill-informed (Nursing Standard Vol 22 No 19 March 5th 2008)
I was surprised to read Stephen Wright's comments about Christian intolerance of homosexuality (reflections February 6).
I have no objection to his new-age fantasies, as this is legitimate part of spiritual care, but his attack on the millions of people in this country who hold a firm belief in the Bible as the Word of God is surely part of a personal vendetta against the church.
He should stick to writing about nursing in its widest apsects and leave Christianity alone, as he seems to know little about it.
Anthony J. Carr, by e-mail.
Note. The editor printed Word of God in lower case.
Terminal 5: the costly problems of new systems
29th March 2008
Sir, I have been involved in the commissioning of two hospitals in my career and if BAA and British Airways had treated this operation as a hospital then the problems they encountered would have been reduced to manageable proportions. One needs to have about 10 per cent of the patients or customers on the first day. There should be 100 per cent of staff of all professions and trades on duty. With this overload of staff, difficulties as they arise can be dealt with competently and quickly.
The Rev Dr Anthony J. Carr
Solihull, Warks
Ouspoken Atheists do not refelct the majority view.( Nursing Standard Vol 22 NO19 19 January 2008).
I am somewhat surprised by the arrogance of the atheists (letters December 5 and January 2) who suggest that those with a faith background are unsuited to care for the sick. In the last UK census, 70 per cent of the UK population said they believed in a Christian god.
In addition to this are many Muslims, Sikhs, Jews and people from other faiths, together with a large number who are attracted to new age spirituality.
Remove all these from the equation and we are left with a few outspoken, unrepresentative atheists who are trying to claim exclusive rights to care for the nation’s health. I suggest that this is not an attractive proposition.
Rev Dr Anthony J Carr FRCN,
Fact and fiction at Christmas time
The Archbishop and other Christians in high places should be careful about what they say in public
December 21st 2007
Sir, I understood and accepted much of what Dr Rowan Williams said about the Christmas story. I would, however, take issue with him on belief in the virginal conception. I use this word deliberately rather than the Virgin Birth because they are two different things.
Both the Roman Catholic Church and the Evangelical Church hold the teaching that the virginal conception is central to their teaching about the nature of Christ and of humankind. Belief in the fall of man means that all people are born with that fallen nature. If Jesus was born of natural parents he could not become the perfect sacrifice for humankind because he, God, would be also tainted with sin, which would be impossible. Rather he took on himself human nature by going through the process of a supernatural conception and a natural birth through the womb of Mary. The whole nature of Christ is changed if belief in the supernatural conception by the Holy Spirit is rejected, and it also makes mockery of the Creeds.
The Rev Dr Anthony J. Carr
Wroxall Abbey, Warks
Retired Nurses could easily fall Foul of the Law (Nursing Standard Vol 21 N0.50)
Readers who have let their registration lapse after retirement beware - do not use the title 'registered nurse' or 'registered midwife' or 'state registered nurse/state certified midwife' on any occasion. I am informed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council that it is an offence to show registration designations if you are no longer on the register. You may, however, use the title 'qualified nurse' or qualified midwife'.
I have noticed some retired nurses still use their registration details after their name.
Anthony Carr, Solihull
Modern weddings
July 2, 2007
Sir, While agreeing that the decline has taken place, both the Church and Government could do much more to encourage those who have a Christian faith to have a Christian wedding ceremony (report, June 29). The restrictions placed upon a couple, wishing for a Christian service do not exist if they choose a civic ceremony.
The Government, before the last general election, proposed a freeing-up of the marriage laws. However, this failed in the House of Lords. Many people would welcome a Christian wedding where they could be married at home or in their favourite venue or hotel.
Please can we have help to move into the 21st century?
THE REV DR ANTHONY J. CARR
Wroxall, Warwicks
[The Observer, Solihull]
Government's Achievements
June 14, 2007
I am not sure which planet S T Vaughan lives on but it cannot be the same as mine!
Although not a supporter otthis present Government In Solihull I see a new academy opened in North Solihull, and plans to build four new schools to that standard in the same area. A new hospital opened in Coventry, and one in South Birmingham of 1,000 beds and a new enlarged psychiatric facility on the same site.
On a personal basis my wife recently developed a painful hip. We went to Solihull Hospital A & E and she was seen promptly, diagnosed, treatment proposed and we were back at home in just one hour!
Two weeks ago I reported to my General Practitioner a developing problem I had over twelve weeks and eight days later I was seen by an ENT consultant in Hartlands Hospital and treatment commenced.
Finally we have locally a police sergeant on phone and e-mail.
I do. not remember any of this new service ten years ago. Please therefore critics of the Government give credit where it is due and stop running the country down all the time.
Anthony J Carr
Butler Road Solihull
How Tony Blair's ten years will be rmembered
May 7th 2007
(This letter was also reproduced in the magazine 'The Week' Issue 613 12th May 2007)
Sir, I did not recognise the present state of England from Sir John Major’s article (May 2; letters, May 4). While not a supporter of the present Government, my own area has seen extensive developments in the public sector over the last few years.
A new academy has opened in a deprived area of Solihull and has brought renewed hope to many families. I have seen police officers walking the beat most days this week. We have our own sergeant on phone call and e-mail. Hospital development is all round the area. Recently there was completed a large general hospital in Coventry; a new 1,000-bed hospital in Birmingham has commenced and a new psychiatric facility has just had a nine-faith blessing ready for its opening in about a year.
Many of my congregation who have had cancer diagnosed are seen within days, and people with a heart problem have surgery within weeks. This is in stark contrast with the time John Major was Prime Minister. Unless the Conservatives give credit where it is due, the public are not likely to trust them with these public institutions again.
THE REV DR ANTHONY J. CARR,
Solihull, West Midlands
Dressing up faith relations around the world
28th October 2006
Sir, I agree with the Archbishop of Canterbury that people have a right to wear whatever symbols of religion they wish but there are negative consequences.
I have found clerical collars to be a barrier to proper communication. Sitting on a crowded train, wearing my clerical collar, some years ago I had four seats to myself. I invited three people who were standing to join me and when I asked why that had not taken the seats previously all said that they thought I needed my private space.
How sad that the clergy by their dress have become separate from the people they are called to serve. People who enter church wearing large wooden crosses round their necks cause me, perhaps wrongly, to think they tend to the fanatical side of Christianity.
Wearing of full veils is cultural not religious, and does cause suspicion and reserve. Wearers must be made to understand that this is the cost of being different.
THE REV DR ANTHONY J. CARR
Wren’s Chapel, Wroxall Abbey
Costs of cutting out the father
July 15th 2006
Sir, Your report, “Fathers out of the picture as lesbians get IVF”, (July 13), is a triumph for women and a near-disaster for the children they will produce. As a father of five and a pastor I often pick up the results of the selfishness of men and women who are unable or unwilling to shoulder their responsibilities to bring up their own children with two distinct role models of father and mother.
I meet young men who have little understanding of what it means to be a loving and caring father. They in turn find their relationships with women and children to be confused and unsatisfactory. It seems that the right to have everything one wants overrides any other consideration in life, even if that decision has the potential to destroy the emotional life of another.
Why are we prepared in law to risk future generations to satisfy the desires and selfishness of women?
THE REV DR ANTHONY J. CARR
Wren’s Chapel,
Wroxall Abbey, Warks
Till legal muddle us do part - or maybe not
June 10th 2006
Sir, Your report reminds me of how The Times once reported on another wedding. Believing that the Church of England minister was on his way, an 18-year-old who worked in the church helped out by putting on a gown and starting the service. When no vicar appeared he conducted the service and signed the registers. An ecclesiastical court later found that if the couple believed at the time that the person marrying them was qualified to do so then that marriage was legal.
Why not use the same principle here? Both parties believed that the law allowed them to make legal declarations and make solemn vows before witnesses and before a registrar. Regardless of the existing law, that marriage should be protected.
THE REV. A. J. CARR
Wroxall Abbey, Warks
Heckling the Health Secretary
May 1, 2006
Sir, The delegates to the RCN’s annual meeting have had their fun with the Secretary of State for Health. As a Fellow of the college, I now invite them to direct their anger at the real culprits. I speak of those chief executives, finance officers and directors of nursing in a minority of health trusts who have allowed overspending of such proportions as to cause embarrassment to those of us who have, for many years, managed to keep within budget on only a fraction of what they are now getting.
Secretaries of State are only humiliated once by an organisation, and the RCN can now expect little co-operation in its future negotiations with Government after the naive behaviour of its members.
Yours sincerely
Rev. Anthony J. Carr
Church traditions
December 10, 2005
Sir, I could accept Father David Sillince's argument (letters, Dec 7) insofar as it relates to the pre-canon era of the New Testament, but he gives no good reason for continuing church tradition afterwards, particularly when it attempts to write in the silent parts such as the role and status of the Virgin Mary or to change what Scripture says.
For instance, St Paul says very clearly that celibacy is a gift (I Corinthians vii, 9), yet from the 4th century church tradition has insisted on the gift becoming a condition of priesthood. That decision has denied countless men a full-orbed life of devotion and service to God and to their people.
Behind the Reformation was the realisation that when the Bible was compared with the then traditions of the Church, many of the latter were incompatible with Scripture. Schism was inevitable. That is why Nonconformists trust only Scripture to be their guide. Many of the church traditions today are still unacceptable to many Christians.
Yours sincerely
Rev. Anthony J. Carr
Bishops, believers and the question of biblical truth
- October 7, 2005
Sir, Before the Reformation, the Roman Catholic Church allowed only the clergy to interpret the Bible to their flock. In this country Tyndale broke the power of the English Church to interpret the Bible by translating from the Greek, a beautiful edition of the New Testament (1525). The Roman Catholic Church again attacks the Bible so it can take back to itself its authority for its interpretation. Christian believers can now pick and mix.
For many Christians the written Word of God is their daily food and drink. There is an authority contained within its pages that surpasses the greatest scholar's interpretation. It is God speaking directly to His people.
To take away the trustworthiness of Scripture is to destroy the very basis of Christianity.
Yours sincerely
Rev. Anthony J. Carr
The Place of Mary, Mother of Jesus in the Anglican Church
- May 20, 2005
Sir, How far will the Anglican Church .disassociate itself from the Reformation in its desire to gain recognition from Rome? Although I admit that the evangelicals do not often give the right Place to the Virgin Mary (report, May 17), it is another matter to give her divine attributes that are not warranted by Scripture.
The Bible is clear that there is only one mediator between human beings and God, it is the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy ii, 5)
If we believe in the doctrine of original sin, as Mary was born of natural parents she was contaminated by that sin. Jesus seems to be dismissive of giving too much honour to his Mother when he indicates that all who do the will of the Father are his brother, sister and mother (Matthew x11, 46-50).
The only glimpse we have of Mary in the history of the early Church was when, with Jesus' brothers (Acts I, 14), in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost she received the gift of the Holy Spirit . She did not appear to be given any special place at that time by the Apostles.
There is no scriptural evidence for her bodily assumption into Heaven: these doctrines are of late origin. There is no indication that Mary herself can give us benefits by praying to her. I am afraid we are dealing with superstition and magic, to say otherwise is to take away the uniqueness of Christ and his ministry.
Perhaps the Anglican Church needs a new Reformation.
Yours sincerely
Rev. Anthony J. Carr
Mr. Howard's Negative Campaign
April 27, 2005
Sir, I have been a registered conscientious objector for over 50 years so I have a clear view on the war with Iraq. I have not voted for the Labour Party for 45 years. I have served as a Chief Nurse under both Labour and Conservative governments and know their strengths and weaknesses in delivering public services. Even when the last Conservative government drove down standards of patient care significantly I still did not vote for Labour.
I take voting very serious. In national elections I normally go and listen in person to the candidates; question them on their policies if needed, then make a decision.
I was so disillusioned about the present state of politics that I had decided not to vote in this election for the first time in 54 years. However, after listening to Mr. Howard's campaign against Mr. Blair and reading your interview with him today I find that his attacks on the integrity of Tony Blair brings him and his party to new levels of disrespect.
It is obvious that his policies alone are not enough to win him an election., therefore he has to lower himself and his party to these new low depths. This is not what I understand true politics to be. I will now vote decisively.
Yours sincerely
Rev. Anthony J. Carr
Responsibility for taking decisions on the discharge of mentally ill patients
March 18, 2005
Sir, You report that Peter Bryan, now sentenced to life imprisonment, was .discharged by a mental health review tribunal against advice from the Home Office.
Apart from restricted patients, such Bryan, those admitted to a psychiatric hospital currently have two ways appealing against their detention. They may appeal to their hospital managers for discharge at any time; hospital managers must also review any patient due for a renewal of their detention.
Hospital managers are trained lay people, not employees of the health trust . As a hospital manager I may, forming a panel with two colleagues, discharge the patient from detention. Being lay has some important advantages
in that the patient's psychiatrist, social worker and nurse must convince us that the current Mental Heath Act still applies to the patient in terms we can understand.
We, the panel, must ask ourselves these questions. Is the patient still suffering from mental disorder? If so, is that disorder of a nature or degree which makes treatment in a 'hospital appropriate? Is the detention in a hospital still necessary in the interests of the patient's health or safety, or for the protection of other people?
We ask the questions professionals take for granted. Having talked with the patient privately, we hear the case with the patient present and legally represented, if requested. Our decision-making includes powers of discharge.
We act responsibly, including asking for a second psychiatric assessment if in doubt. Afterwards the chairman of the panel will have discussions with the patient and relatives, if present, and give reason why we have or have not exercised our power to discharge.
If we decide to discharge we can require a care plan to be submitted to us for continuing care in the community.
The new Mental Health Bill proposes to abolish the option to appeal to hospital managers. 1 am sad that the Government does not see our work as contributing to the health of the patient and the protection of society.
Yours sincerely,
Rev. Anthony J. Carr
Christian Values and Right to Die
- December 16, 2004
Sir, As a newly qualified registered nurse in 1955 I attended my first professional meeting. I asked if I could be told why in all the books I was required to read for my studies no full chapter was given to medical ethics.
To see what I had in mind, the audience asked for my views on the recently raised debate on abortion. I replied that once abortion was approved it would take about two generations before attention was drawn to disposing of the elderly. This would be followed by considering how to deal with what were then known as the mentally handicapped, and so on to the severely physically disabled.
I was ridiculed for holding those views. I was assured that as we a Christian country, with laws based upon that premise, it was unthinkable that the elderly or the mentally ill would he put to sleep.
With the comments this weekend of Baroness Warnock regarding euthanasia for the elderly (report December 13), and of the Archbishop of York that he would be "hard pressed" to describe this country as Christian (report, same day) my worst nightmare was realised. We are now a secular and humanistic society and our Christian values have been almost completely abandoned. It is literally the survival of the fittest from now on.
Yours sincerely
Rev. Anthony J. Carr
Heated Debate on the Possible Breakup of the Anglican Family
- November 4, 2004
Sir, For too long those Christians believing in the clear teachings of the New Testament have had fellowship with those in the liberal church who care much more about the present and changing norms in society than the teachings of Christ It is impossible to hold these two views together.
There is this liberal mushy teaching about "God is Love that somehow gets everybody through life and death, conveniently bypassing the clear teaching of Scripture. 1 would advise both clergy and laity to buy a Bible where the words of Jesus are printed in red, and read through the four Gospels only reading the red bits. It is only then that the stark reality of the hard teachings of Jesus is revealed.
I am afraid that the "God of Love" portrayed by the liberals is counterbalanced by a series of warnings about ungodly practices which they often fail to mention. I give but one example when the woman was caught in adultery Jesus did not condemn her but forgave her, then added:" ... go and sin no more (John viii II).
At least Christians can be confident that "We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose" (Romans viii, 28).
Yours sincerely
Rev. Anthony J. Carr
Guidance on Sentencing for Courts
- September24, 2004
Sir, The Lord Chief Justice seems to have lost all sense of justice when making proposals for shorter jail sentences for those who admit their guilt during police investigations. An individual life is the most precious thing any person possesses and for it to be taken away should warrant the most severe sentence that the court may impose.
The new proposals would make sense if the period spent in jail was long enough to justify a reduction. For a majority of the public I meet, taking a life must mean life, not ten to fifteen years then out on licence. As this country moves away from its Christian heritage and values and humanistic philosophy takes over, it seems that the need for justice for the individual becomes less important than saving money and time on a trial.
Yours sincerely
Rev. Anthony J. Carr
Caring for the Terminally ill
- March 9, 2004
Sir, As a chief nursing officer, I undertook a survey of patients who died of a terminal illness (report March 2; see also letters, February 4 and 14) within three days of being admitted to hospitals in Newcastle upon Tyne throughout 1975. In conjunction with he city's general practitioners, we identified 350 such patients. The main reason given for admission to hospital was that relatives were exhausted by the need to provide 24 hour care.
With the cooperation of the city council, which provided eight night sitters, we developed a 24 hour nursing service, for a few days at a time. A dying patient would have a night sitter, and a district nurse would attend every two or three hours, if necessary, to give pain relieving drugs and nursing care. The relatives could go to bed knowing that their loved ones were being adequately cared for. The relief for the carers and the difference those few days made to the families were truly remarkable. After one year in operation we estimated we had saved 351 patients from dying in hospital.
A general hospital is the last place we should send our; terminally ill relatives. Too many staff consider it normal to go to great lengths to try to add a few hours or days to a dying patient. Gone is the attitude in the acute hospital setting, that to nurse a patient to a peaceful death is a valid aim.
A countywide system of home care for the terminally ill would be a sign of our civilisation.
Yours sincerely
Rev. Anthony J. Carr
Who, and What Were the Magi?
- February 12, 2004
Sir, Theologians have to be careful when translating words in isolation. There is no evidence that there were three wise men or Magi. Matthew just says, 'Behold, wise men from the East" (Matthew ii, 1). An assumption is made regarding three persons because there were three gifts given to Jesus of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
The scholars interpret Magi in this text, yet they leave exactly the same word in Acts xiii, 6 and 8, interpreted as sorcerer. This word can mean wise men, teachers, priests, astrologers, seers, interpreter of dreams - the list is endless. Perhaps by using the word Magi we are left to work out for ourselves the true meaning.
However, is it not the theologian's job to interpret the text for the lay person?
Yours sincerely
Rev. Anthony J. Carr
End of the "Paper Trail" on Births, Marriages and Deaths
September 9, 2003
Sir, The proposals for change to the registration arrangements for births marriages and deaths (report, September 9) has been followed closely by many ministers of religion.
This abbey church has marriage records going back to 1587. We carry out about 40 weddings a year and the recording of such weddings is considerable. Immediately after the service two registers have to be completed and a copy in the form of a marriage certificate is given to the couple. Every 13 weeks a further copy of the register has to be forwarded to the local registrar for transmission to the General Register Office. All these documents have to be written out in longhand using special ink The changes proposed mean that the couple will have to obtain g certificate (schedule) from the local registrar. After the wedding the, minister will require the couple to sign the schedule and the witnesses and minister will also sign. The couple must send it back to the registrar.
We shall keep our own. marriage register but the detailed handwritten work will go and allow us more time to concentrate on the couple being married.
Researchers in future generations will be thankful if all this information is captured on computer, rather than spending, hours on microfiche machines reading almost unintelligible writing to compile their own lists.
Yours sincerely
Rev. Anthony J. Carr
Blunkett Proposals on Sentencing
- May 10, 2003
How refreshing to read (report,"Blunkett challenges judiciary over length of life sentences", Mat 7) of a government minister making proposals that reflect the views of the majority of the community).
In sentencing for murder, most people must be affronted top read of sentences that do not appear to reflect either the crime perpetuated or the pain and suffering felt by the victim, family and friends. Taking life is the most serious crime an individual can commit and the guilty party must pay a high price for such an act unless it can be proved that there were mitigating circumstances.
Although my Church us at the forefront to help both victim and criminal with support, compassion and rehabilitation, the punishment must fit the crime, otherwise we fail the communities in which we live.
Your sincerely
Rev. Anthony J. Carr
MOT Test for Disability Benefits
July 6, 2001
Sir, I was amazed at the immediate adverse reaction to the Government's latest proposal to review the disability benefits every three years.
I had a severe heart attack 1983 that forced me to give up employment in 1984. After the usual sickness benefits came to an end I had an interview at the Benefits Office. I was advised to apply to go on to disability benefits. When I enquired how often I would have to be medically examined I was told that once qualifying for these benefits I would be entitled to receive them until I was eligible for the retirement pension.
On that principle alone I rejected the offer. It seemed to me that the system was open to abuse by a large number of people, including myself.
In time I did regain a measure of health and was able to work part-time for the ministry and was ordained in 1995. Surely it is time to review all benefits and allow those permanently disabled to enjoy the benefits without others, disabled for a time, cashing in on the system.
Yours sincerely
Rev. Anthony J. Carr
Is 'stress' being over-emphasised?
March 26 2001
Sir, The word "stress", used repeatedly in newspapers and in personal conversation, has moved from meaning a mental, physical, or emotional pressure to an excuse for why things cannot be done or reasons for giving up on a project or piece of work (see, eg, Patience Wheatcroft, Comment, March 20). It has become so prevalent in my Elim church that we have agreed to ban the use of it in our daily conversations.
When I meet men and women who have passion or vision for their work, the word seems never part of their vocabulary. Is it not time for us as individuals to confront it every time it is used and demand that the persons concerned face up to their responsibilities, or would that cause them even more stress?
Yours sincerely,
REV.ANTHONY J CARR,
Young Christians
October 27, 2000
Sir, I do just wonder how relevant the Christian Church is today to young people (letter, October 27), and also to our growing ethnic groups. At the Renewal Christian Centre (Elim Church) in Solihull, which is overwhelmingly white Caucasian (97 per cent), we count among our congregation over 30 different nationalities.
Of the approximately 1,200 people coming through the doors of the church on a Sunday over 100 children will attend their own specially prepared service in the morning; in the evening, about 120 to 130 teenagers and those in their early twenties ..
In addition, we have perhaps the largest deaf community in the West Midlands, mainly young adults, predominantly men. We have had a young deaf man travel 40 miles each way on a Sunday morning because no church provides for him, while another moved from Manchester, with his job, to be nearer to us for the same reason.
Is it, I wonder, that we may have found the secret of presenting the Christian Gospel in a way that is relevant to the 21st century while not compromising the message? .
Yours sincerely,
Rev. Anthony J. Carr
Case for Nurses Pay Increase
- September 26, 1994
Sir, I see from The Times (report, September 21) that Kenneth Clarke says that any pay rises in the public sector will have to be found from efficiency savings. Could the Secretary of State for Health, Mrs. Virginia Bottomley, confirm to the public at large and to Kenneth Clarke in particular that the figures she uses on every possible occasion on the television of several million more patients treated every single year do or do not apply during the pay round negotiations?
Under the new reforms the number of registered nurses is falling, and my naïve mind thinks that with more patients treated and fewer nurses available, they, the nurses, and their support staff have already had their case proved by the Government.
Yours sincerely
Rev. Anthony J. Carr