FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Amy L. Beisel, APR
May 1, 2006 717-238-9613
abeisel@pacatholic.org
PENNSYLVANIA’S FAITH COMMUNITY
HIGHLIGHTS PLIGHT OF UNINSURED
HARRISBURG (May 1, 2006) – Pennsylvania’s faith community released the following statement regarding Cover the Uninsured Week, May 1-7, 2006:
“As representatives of the varied traditions of Pennsylvania’s faith community, we lend our support to the national effort to focus attention on the problem of the 46 million American who lack health insurance – more than 1.3 million of whom are Pennsylvanians.
Our diverse faith traditions are united in our response to the call to care for one another by offering real assistance and compassion to those who suffer.
Leaders and members of our religious traditions strive to offer compassion to those who are sick, dying, injured, or hospitalized in many ways. We support health care initiatives and institutions that serve without regard to race, creed, or a person’s ability to pay simply because it is our desire and obligation to help those in need. We support the spiritual needs of those who suffer by offering comfort, assistance and prayer to individuals and their families, offering holistic care for body, mind, and spirit.
Individuals and families who lack insurance are more likely to suffer both physically and financially. During Cover the Uninsured Week, we encourage our members and all people to take time to thoughtfully consider what can and should be done to help cover these 46 million uninsured Americans, including more than 8 million children – including more than 133,000 in Pennsylvania.
We ask that you:
Learn what your faith tradition teaches about our obligations to those who are poor, weak, and vulnerable.
Learn more about the plight of the uninsured and what proposals are being advanced to address the situation.
Join in Cover the Uninsured Week by participating in activities such as volunteering at health fairs to help those who are uninsured or inviting an uninsured person to speak to your church study group or religious study class.
Help focus attention on this important issue in your home and community.
From May 1-7, 2006, national, state and local organizations will mark Cover the Uninsured Week with a variety of non partisan activities and events to raise awareness about this critical problem – who is affected, why they are uninsured, the consequences of being uninsured, and how this issue affects every American. Find out what is happening near you and how you can participate by visiting www.CoverTheUninsuredWeek.org.”
Bishop A. Donald Main
President, PA Council of Churches
Upper Susquehanna Synod, ELCA
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades
President, PA Catholic Conference
Diocese of Harrisburg
Rabbi Carl Choper
Temple Beth Shalom
Mechanicsburg
Rabbi Ron Muroff
Chisuk Emuna Congregation
Harrisburg
The Reverend Virginia C. Parkum, Ph.D
The Blue Mountain Lotus Society
Arnold L. Tiemeyer
Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in PA
Sister Clare Christi Schiefer, OSF
President, PA Catholic Health Association
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