August 14, 2009

“Fear and self-interest defeat social justice in the political processes of health care reform”  from the ELCA Social Statement “Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor”

This week I attended the widely-televised town hall meeting with Senator Specter in Lebanon. As I was not one of the first lucky 250 persons who got into the building, I remained outside with hundreds of others advocating for their views. Amidst the well-publicized shouting matches and name calling, I used the opportunity to initiate conversation asking protesters what faith convictions informed their stance.  No one with whom I spoke was able to articulate that.

The word from the offices of many in Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation is that they are not hearing from people of faith on health care reform. I share this not to discount the recent efforts of LAMPa's faithful ELCA e-advocates! Rather, I want to point out the need for continued advocacy and renewed work towards the ELCA’s commitment to “equitable access to health care for all people”.

This silence of the faith community may be due to confusion about the different versions of health reform working their way through the US House and Senate.  Lutherans are contacting the LAMPa office with queries ranging from whether the current bills permit federally-funded abortion (no) or mandate euthanasia (again, no) to concerns about cost (unknown) or the impact on small businesses (uncertain). Some of the people I encountered on Tuesday were riled up by misinformation about the current bills, distracting the more civil debate that could be going on right now to clarify the best direction  for health reform in this country. 

LAMPa is providing links that give information on some of the most popular misconceptions. Use these to investigate the claims you hear. Then share what you learn, and witness to how your faith brings you to your conclusions about health care.  These links can be found on LAMPa's new "Don't Be Afraid... Be Informed" health care page. 

Lutherans have much to say in the health care conversation, especially when it gets heated. The health reform for which Lutherans are advocating is not based on narrow self interest, speaking only about my healthcare, as many of the signs at Lebanon read. Instead we speak to an enlightened self interest in our healthcare, a system that will benefit all our neighbors as well. The Social Statement urges Lutherans to “attend to the health care needs of those who, for whatever reason, lack adequate care or are marginalized in society”. Lutherans are called to advocate for healthcare that provides quality and affordable coverage for all, beginning with the most vulnerable. It is what makes our voice necessary. It is what makes our advocacy urgent.

Until there is a final bill to consider, the ELCA and LAMPa encourage Lutherans to educate themselves and others, and to advocate with lawmakers according to the principles in the Social Statement and on the Health Action page on the LAMPa website. You are also encouraged to love your neighbor enough to initiate difficult conversations and speak your faithful vision of healthcare. There is much to do and many ways to be involved. Thank you for your advocacy.

In Christ,

Amy E. Reumann, Director