Interfaith Service for Health Care for All

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United Methodist General Board of Church & Society and the Women's Division of the General Board of Global Ministries are among more than 40 national faith organizations planning a large mobilization around health-care reform. These organizations, comprising Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and more,  will host an “Interfaith Service of Witness and Prayer” on Wednesday, June 24, at Freedom Plaza here to express their support for health-care reform.

Similar “echo events” will occur nationally throughout the week as part of the Interfaith Week of Prayer for Health Care Reform.

A health fair will take place before the June 24 service, which begins at 4 p.m., when the Carl Vogel Center will offer free health screenings, including glucose testing and consultation, as part of its “Get Healthy D.C.” program. Live music will be provided by the Gospel Grass Group of Westmoreland Congregational Church, who will sing a blend of gospel and bluegrass music.

Health-care reform bills are expected to be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate for possible vote in July.

Featured speakers at the June 24 worship service include Rabbi David Saperstein, director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism; Dr. Sayyid Syeed, executive director, Islamic Society of North America; and Dr. James Forbes Jr., pastor emeritus, Riverside Church, New York City, and executive director, The Healing of the Nations Foundation. The Rev. Tim McDonald, First Iconium Baptist Church of Atlanta, will issue a "call to action."

“Never before has the [U.S.] health-care system come under legislative review such that reform may finally be achieved,” said Linda Walling, executive director of Faithful Reform in Health Care. “This moment’s urgency is matched only by the opportunity for united faith voices to make a profound and positive impact. Our nation’s elected leaders will rely on us to keep the need for health care for all on track.”

For more information, visit We Believe Together.