Conversations on Health Care Reform

The Christian Social Action Ministry (CSAM) has been following the public debate on health care reform. A few things are clear at this juncture. First, there is an immediate need for comprehensive health care reform. The United Methodist Social Principles state that “We believe Health Care is a basic human right. (¶162.V)” Yet, around 46 million Americans have no health insurance, limiting access to health care. Another 6-7 million are expected to lose coverage because of the recession. 18,000 people needlessly die each year because they do not have adequate access to health care.¹ Attuned to the present circumstances, the UMC General Board on Church and Society envisions a health care system that is:

• INCLUSIVE: Health care is a right and a shared responsibility that is grounded in our common humanity.
• AVAILABLE: Health care must contribute to the common good by being available to everyone, especially those who cannot afford it.
• ACCESSIBLE: All persons should have access to health services that provide necessary care and contribute to wellness.
• 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.

Second, health care is a vast, complex subject that cannot be boiled down into a sound bite. Third, public statements that inaccurately represent the current state of health care and proposals for its reform cause confusion and inhibit citizens from making sound, educated opinions about health care reform, which in turn affects citizens’ lobby of their congressional delegation.

In light of these realities, CSAM plans to have an ongoing dialogue on health care reform. CSAM is sponsoring a community meeting on health care reform hosted by Champaign County Health Care Consumers to be held at the Champaign Public Library on Thursday, September 10 at 6:30pm. All are welcome to attend. Those from Wesley who attend are invited to meet for a discussion in the library’s coffee shop immediately after the meeting.

CSAM will host a subsequent panel discussion at Wesley to see health care reform through a variety of lenses, including care givers, theological perspectives, and social workers. More details about the meeting are forthcoming. You can stay updated on our conversation about health care reform and other CSAM concerns here on our revamped blog.

Journey toward Peace with Justice

The Christian Social Action Ministry (CSAM) provides opportunities for the congregation to join God as co-creators of a world of peace with justice, brought to life in our imaginations by the prophets in our scriptures and tradition.

Last spring, Wesley United Methodist Church and Foundation at UIUC completed its pilgrimage to Jerusalem and beyond. As United Methodists, we are mindful that we ought to make a lifelong pilgrimage toward a new creation, personally and globally. This blog follows the continuing pilgrimage for peace and justice. We are glad to have you along with us.