Canadian churches weigh in on U.S. health care reform

TORONTO (RNS) A Canadian group of churches has waded into the U.S. debate on health care reform, telling their American counterparts that health care is a “moral enterprise” with deep roots in the Bible. The letter, written by the Rev. Karen Hamilton, general secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches, provides a history of Canadian […]

TORONTO (RNS) A Canadian group of churches has waded into the U.S. debate on health care reform, telling their American counterparts that health care is a “moral enterprise” with deep roots in the Bible.

The letter, written by the Rev. Karen Hamilton, general secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches, provides a history of Canadian churches’ advocacy for health coverage and explains the rationale for a universal health care system.

While some denominational groups in the U.S. — including Methodists, Presbyterians, Reform Jews and the United Church of Christ — have endorsed a Democratic bill to expand Medicare to cover all Americans, conservative Christian groups warn that a revamped health care system would encourage end-of-life euthanasia and provide taxpayer-funded abortions.


Hamilton sent the three-page letter to the New York-based National Council of Churches, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Association of Evangelicals.

In the letter, Hamilton notes that before 1966, Canada’s health care system failed to provide medical insurance to more than 30 percent of the population. The inequity, she said, created ethical problems for those who believed St. Paul’s words, “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it.”

The churches lobbied for health care for all during the Canadian health care debates of the 1960s.

“We rejected a structure that would force thousands into bankruptcy due to unforeseen medical expenses, would promote different levels of service in the many disparate regions of this vast land or would end health insurance for those who found themselves unemployed.”

Canada’s largest ecumenical body, the Canadian Council of Churches represents 22 churches of Anglican, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Protestant and Roman Catholic traditions.

Donate to Support Independent Journalism!

Donate Now!