Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Obama, faith leaders to discuss health care reform


From Episcopal Life Online-

Leaders of some U.S. faith groups -- including The Episcopal Church -- believe that somewhere in the shadows behind the voices condemning President Barack Obama's administration and other backers of affordable health care reform lurks a silent majority of Christians who support reforming the nation's healthcare system.
In an effort to mobilize and give rise to that voice, faith leaders have come together under the banner of "40 Minutes for Health Reform" to sponsor a national call-in and audio webcast August 19 at 5 p.m. EDT on health care reform, featuring Obama and faith leaders from across the country.

The phone call is part of the larger, faith-based 40 Days of Health Reform initiative.

"We believe there is a silent majority that has seen family and friends struggle; those people are not the loud protestors at town hall meetings. It's an unprecedented opportunity for the faith community to band together," said Kristin Williams, media relations associate for Faith in Public Life, whose mission it is to advance faith in public life as a positive and unifying force for justice, compassion and the common good.

Led by Faith in Public Life, 40 Days for Health Reform is an effort organized by the faith community – including the Episcopal Church, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Sojourners, the National Council of Churches in Christ, and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good -- to make clear to Congress that quality, affordable health care for every American family is a moral priority for millions of people of faith.

As of August 17, the roster of faith leaders scheduled to participate in the call was unavailable, but Williams said that the effort was focused on reaching "blue dog Democrat" senators in states like Indiana, Arkansas and Nebraska, with strong Christian bases and who have "waffled publicly" on health care reform, Williams said.

More here-

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_113333_ENG_HTM.htm

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