Health Care Reform seems to be a very conflictual issue. Congress will go back into session September 8. Their critical issue is Health Care Reform. During the next several weeks, we will hear more conflicting and conflictual statements. As I publish a variety of information either by email or on my blog, see blog4justice.wordpress.com
I am trying to inform us as Christ’s disciples from sources I trust and believe faithfully try to present the Christian values points of view. Today, I am sharing two sources of information I believe we as Christ’s disciples need to consider.
First, how do we handle and manage conflicual view points? Let me say, I was proud that we could listen to one another and speak with respect at St. Luke’s Health Care Forum. The following comes from a blog on the Sojourners magazine, a “progressive evangelical” organization, led by Jim Wallis. Since I believe I have ‘progressive’ understanding of faith I follow Sojourners since it represents the evangelical, more conservative, view of faith and practice, as well as other publications of my preference.
A Code of Conduct (A paraphrase)
I will express myself with civility, courtesy, and respect for every person, especially toward those with whom I disagree—even if I feel disrespected by them. (Romans 12:17-21)
I will express my disagreements with others’ without insulting, mocking, or slandering them personally. (Matthew 5:22)
I will not exaggerate others’ beliefs nor make unfounded prejudicial assumptions based on labels, categories, or stereotypes. I will always extend the benefit of the doubt. (Ephesians 4:29)
Not that I don’t follow this code, but it caught my attention that in these times of hot language in many instances, as a disciple this needs to be a constant part of my living out my faith. It is also a reason I participate in CCO. They practice this in their organizing, actions, and advocating for justice.
From the United Methodist Board of Church and Society here is a A Faith-Inspired Vision of Health Care
We, as people of faith, envision a society where each person is afforded health, wholeness, and human dignity.
That vision embraces a health care system that is inclusive… accessible…affordable… and accountable.
Vision ~ Inclusive: Health care is a shared responsibility that is grounded in our common humanity. In the bonds of our human family, we are created to be equal. We are guided by a divine will to honor each person’s dignity and to live together as an inclusive community. Affirming our commitment to the common good, we acknowledge our enduring responsibility to care for one another. As we recognize that society as a whole is healthy only when we care for the most vulnerable among us, we are led to discern the human right to health and wholeness. Therefore, we are called to act with compassion by including everyone in the sharing of our abundant health care resources.
Vision ~ Affordable: Health care must contribute to the common good by being affordable for individuals, families and society as a whole. We believe that in the sacred act of creation we are endowed with the talents, wisdom and abundant resources necessary to meet the needs of one another, including the health care needs of all. Therefore, in our calling to be faithful stewards, we understand our responsibility to use our health care resources effectively, to administer them efficiently, and to distribute them with equity.
Vision ~ Accessible: All persons should have access to health services that provide necessary care and contribute to wellness. We believe humanity is sacred and that all persons should benefit from those actions which contribute to our health and wholeness. Therefore, we are called to act with justice and love, to ensure that all of us have access to the health care we need in order to live out the fullness of our potential both as individuals and as contributing members of our society. We must work together to identify and overcome all barriers to and disparities in such care.
Vision ~ Accountable: Our health care system must be accountable, offering a quality, equitable and sustainable means of keeping us healthy as individuals and as a community. We believe that as spiritual and sacred vessels, we are responsible for the care of our bodies to the best of our ability and for the care of one another regardless of individual circumstances. Therefore, individuals, families, governments, businesses, and the faith community are called to work in partnership for a system that ensures fully-informed, timely, quality and safe care that treats body, mind and spirit.
Check out www.faithfulreform.org, a multi-faith coalition and read: How legislative proposals measure up to
“A Faith-Inspired Vision of Health Care” or go to my blog and click on it there.
Contact me if you would like to have a personal discussion of Christian Discipleship and Health Care Reform.
When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace. Jimmy Hendrix
Tags: HEALTH CARE REFORM
