Health Care Reform

Back in March, the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America passed a law that significantly changed our health care system. Leading up to this vote and leading up to President Barack Obama's signing of the bill, there was a great deal of controversy and debate on both sides. I realize that a lot of the changes outlined in the bill will not be taking place for awhile. I will admit that I have not really been thinking about the legislation recently.

I was reading an article in the Good News magazine that brought this topic back to my mind. Specifically it dealt with the issue of whether or not the United Methodist Church supported this piece of legislation. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said the following upon the passing of this legislation, "[M]ore than 350 organizations, representing Americans of every age, every background, every part of the country, who have endorsed this legislation. Our coalition ranges from the AARP...to the United Methodist Church."

Really? I realize that not everyone is familiar with our Book of Discipline. As far as I know, no one is allowed to speak on behalf of the United Methodist Church. The General Conference of the United Methodist Church did vote to say health reform was necessary. It did not advocate for any particular piece of legislation. The General Board of Church and Society seemed to phrasing things in a way that promoted the passing of this legislation. As a result this was interpreted by own own Speaker that we endorsed this legislation. Yikes.

It appears a lot of folks were angered by this result. I wish to keep to myself my own views on health care reform. Regardless of those views, I am disappointed that there is an appearance that our denomination took a stand on this issue. You risk alienating a part of your membership when you appear to be taking a stand on such a controversial issue. I hope the committees and agencies of the United Methodist Church are more careful in the future.