Methodist Church Takes A Health Care Stance

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Staying in the Health Care Debate by Methodist Bishop Julius Calvin

Do you believe all citizens should have a right to health care? I do.

Do you believe the government has a responsibility to ensure access to health care for all citizens? I do.

The 2008 United Methodist Book of Discipline addresses Right to Health Care in The Social Principles, ¶162.V, “We believe it is a governmental responsibility to provide all citizens with health care.” Creating the personal, environment and social conditions in which health can thrive is a joint responsibility - public and private. I would argue that along with federal, state and county governments, the faith community and private business sector all have critical roles in providing access to compassionate and comprehensive health care.

The spiraling cost of providing health care and health insurance is impacting annual conferences and local churches just as it is individuals and families.

Most people (including this Bishop) know someone who works full or part-time, but does not have health insurance coverage or is under insured. While it is true we have excellent hospitals and health care professionals (including my daughter who is an R.N.), it is also true that health care access is increasingly becoming a privilege for the rich, the lucky and a gift to the poorest of the poor.

Politicians from both sides of the aisle have significant wisdom about reform, as do academicians and private insurance companies. Incorporating the best of all the proposed solutions, including reducing medical lawsuits (malpractice) and encouraging multi-state health plans are ideas worthy of consideration as part of comprehensive reform.

The current fear-mongering based on unsubstantiated predictions about government participation in providing options for the currently uninsured begs the question, “Do we have a government that represents all the people?”

Please consider reading USA Today, August 25th edition, “Forum” article by Patricia Pearson. “Congress might not endorse a universal health care system this fall. But it is shocking and even a little tragic to think that uninsured Americans might be bullied out of access to basic medical care via nonsensical rumor-mongering about how the rest of the West tends to their citizens.” Pearson’s assertion is not that the Canadian system is superior, but that it is certainly more inclusive and feels more humane.

My fear is that Christian clergy and laity will push the mute button on their prophetic voice on behalf of many American citizens without access to adequate health care. We need to stay in the debate on behalf of the working poor, unemployed and those struggling to live with dignity. I want all citizens to have access to the same health care I have. Let’s bathe the debate in prayer and continue to advocate for positive comprehensive health care reform.

John 10:10b, Jesus says, “I came that you have life and have it abundantly”.

Be Encouraged, Bishop Julius Calvin

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