Faith-based groups weigh in on health care

July 7, 2009

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Leaders of several faith-based groups met with congressmen and government officials for a summit addressing the current state of health care.

Recurring themes of the Faith Leader Summit on Health Care were the need for accessible, affordable and quality health care as well as increased accountability within the faith community. Rabbi Steve Gutow, executive director of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, stressed that all religions emphasize the need to heal the sick and care for the most vulnerable. “When God speaks, we all best listen,” Gutow said.

Religious leaders met with several political figures vocal on health care issues, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.

The summit was sponsored by The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and the United Methodist Church - General Board of Church and Society, in collaboration with Families USA and the National Coalition on Health Care.

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