I had a number of contacts Monday especially following the debate on Health Care Reform legislation that took place in the U.S. House of Representatives late Sunday night. The flash point is, of course, the reference to The United Methodist Church in the Speaker of the House's speech. Neither the Council of Bishops office nor the General Board of Church and Society had prior knowledge of the content of any speeches made on the floor of the House on Sunday night much less Speaker Pelosi's speech.
 
It will come as no secret to you that the United Methodist Church has been involved in this conversation fully based on the work of eight successive General Conferences. The United Methodist Church has affirmed the need for comprehensive health care reform that extends insurability to those not currently insured. United Methodists have been involved in monitoring Congressional action that culminated with the House votes Sunday night. This included reading the entire 2,700 pages of the bill. While not engaging in the partisan debate that preceded the vote, leaders continued to contact House members, informing them of the church's stance consistent with General Conference action.
 
As you deepen your understanding of the United Methodist Church's views on health care  I refer you to paragraph 162.V in the 2008 Book of Discipline (pp.117-118).

 

Second, the 2008 General Conference approved Resolution 3201, entitled Health Care for All in the United States.
 
Yours in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, 
 

  
+Bishop Gregory V. Palmer (bio)
Illinois Great Rivers Conference

of the United Methodist Church