The United Methodist Church responds to Jesus’ call by working for Health Care for all
Adapted and reprinted from “Faith In Action, March 23, 2010."
In late March, the United States Congress passed a health care reform law that takes a huge step towards making this a reality. The United Methodist Social Principles declares health care is “a basic human right.”
The United States took a huge step toward affirming this right last night when the House of Representatives passed health insurance reform legislation. The President signed the
legislation one day later. A second bill was adopted by a vote of 220 to 211 and now goes to the Senate, where it is expected to pass.
I appreciate that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi thanked The United Methodist Church for the support our denomination has given to health care reform. For decades, the General Board of Church & Society has worked alongside thousands of United Methodists to achieve health care for all in the U.S.; this vote brings us closer to that reality. When signed into law there will be important protections for every person including banning health insurance companies from denying coverage to people with preexisting conditions. Health care reform will ensure that more Americans have access to health insurance. Over 31 million Americans are currently uninsured; this legislation will assist low income working people who cannot afford the steep prices for health insurance now.
Jesus’ ministry serves as an example and a call to serve the least and the last among us. He asked us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves — setting forth a faith grounded in God’s abundance, generosity and a capacity for love that knows no bounds.
We are not finished. There is more work to be done in the weeks, months and years ahead. United Methodist Resolution #3201, which was approved by the 2008 General Conference, charges the General Board of Church & Society with primary responsibility for advocating health care for all in the United States Congress and for communicating this policy to United Methodists in the USA. The resolution can be downloaded from the General Board of Church & Society website by clicking on the following: "Health Care for All in the United States."
Reprinted in part from "Faith In Action" 3/23/10