Champaign church clears medical debt for Coles County families

From Illinois-

Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church in Champaign has purchased $4 million in past due local medical debt with one purpose: to forgive it.

Last week, 3,617 financially strapped households in counties throughout Central and Southern Illinois received letters informing them that their medical debts have been paid off by the church. Among the beneficiaries were 27 individuals in Coles County, who received forgiveness of over $34,000 in medical bills.

The Rev. Beth Maynard, Emmanuel’s Rector, announced the debt forgiveness initiative at Sunday services on March 31, when the Rt. Rev. Daniel Martins, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield, which covers the area affected, was visiting the church for Confirmation.

Emmanuel raised funds for property repairs and upgrades during their building’s centennial year in 2017-18, but the church committed that after essential work was done, all remaining money would go to serve those outside its own walls.

More here-

https://jg-tc.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/champaign-church-clears-medical-debt-for-coles-county-families/article_bdbd5a4d-957e-5e1a-afef-43d836a0b31b.html