June 24, 2009 Freedom Plaza, Washington, DC

Health Care for All

We believe together in a health care future that is grounded in the sacred bonds of our common humanity, defined by compassion, especially for those who are most vulnerable, and reflective of faithful stewardship of our abundant health care resources.

AFFIRMATION from COALITION OF FAITH GROUPS

As people of faith, inspired by shared values from our sacred texts, we envision a society where each person is afforded health, wholeness, and human dignity.  We will measure legislative proposals by their capacity to move us toward a health care future that is:

·       Inclusive, offering a guarantee of health care for every person regardless of individual circumstances.

·       Accessible, eliminating all barriers to the care which contributes to our health and wholeness as individuals and as a society.

·       Affordable, ensuring that we use our abundant health care resources effectively, efficiently, and equitably.

·       Accountable, calling for shared individual and institutional responsibility in a system of timely, quality and safe care that treats body, mind and spirit.

May it be so in 2009!

Believe Together!  Health Care for All

Gracious God,

For all of the uninsured children who need medical care, we pray.

For fevers that need tending. For treatments that go undone. For healing that will not happen because there is not enough money to pay for it.

For all of the parents who worry at night, frantic that their children will grow sicker when treatment is available but unaffordable, we pray. Who run doctor to doctor hoping someone will help, but find little solace. Who mount up bills in desperation, and who are quickly overwhelmed with debt.

For a nation who tolerates such neglect, dear God, have mercy upon us.

-Alexa Smith, Associate for Presbytery and Congregational Support, Joining Hands Against Hunger, and member Decade of the Child Team, Presbyterian Church (USA)