The shrill voices of “faith based” talk show hosts notwithstanding, the overwhelming majority of religious leaders in the US recognize that reform of health care systems is a moral imperative. For churches, synagogues, and mosques, concern for people’s health is not a fad. Historically, religious organizations of all kinds have stepped forward to found hospitals, medical schools, neighborhood health clinics, senior care centers, and a host of other agencies aimed at improving the health of their communities. They have done this out of a recognition that caring for the sick and the infirm is not just a responsibility of individuals, but of the society as a whole. And in this, government, has a positive, even an essential role to play. For more, on this topic including statements from religious leaders and faith based groups working on this issue, continue here.
