An effective address to human health needs requires a comprehensive, whole-person approach to health and health services. Pneuma, psyche, and soma, spirit-mind-body, are interconnected in complex ways. To ignore the spiritual or mental dimensions of a person while addressing physical injury or illness is as scientifically irresponsible as it is religiously irresponsible to treat spiritual needs and ignore the physical and mental dimensions of the human body. The understanding and definition of health and healthcare should be largely derived from this holistic perspective rather than a purely medical one. Health, it can be argued, is the ability to respond effectively …
The record of health care in the waning years of the twentieth century is the story of entrapment and abandonment. Too many of us have no access to health care. Many more of us are facing reduced benefits and the threat of economic hardship and even bankruptcy. Our children and parents are at risk. The pattern is distinguished by diminished access and dwindling benefits. In such a grave situation, Presbyterians at all levels are called upon to act in whatever way they are best suited to bring about a comprehensive National Medical Plan."
This document offers a biblical and theological rationale in light of the current situation for church involvement advocating on behalf of uninsured persons. It also provides the framework for a congregational plan to advocate for health care access for all, as well as a copy of legislation currently before Congress and calling for basic access to health care for all. Several trends affecting the uninsured are then explored followed by an examination of the challenges ahead as Presbyterians seek to be responsible in both their public and private lives in the quest of furthering God’s intention of health (shalom) for …
Several trends affecting the uninsured are then explored followed by an examination of the challenges ahead as Presbyterians seek to be responsible in both their public and private lives in the quest of furthering God's intention of health (shalom) for the earth and its people. The final section presents the recommendations approved by the 214th General Assembly as it met June 15-22, 2002, in Columbus, Ohio. In addition, Appendix I, "The Challenge to Presbyterians from the 214th General Assembly: Adequate Health Care for Everyone" offers concrete ways for individuals and their congregations to respond in advocacy for the uninsured. It …
The purpose of the recommendations included in this report and the background to follow is to enable churches to welcome people with disabilities and to advocate with them for justice both within the church and in society. Justice in the Reformed perspective is marked by the exhibition of social righteousness in conduct, covenant, and relationships. It takes form in social structures that permit the flourishing of all of God's people. Therefore, full inclusion for people living with disabilities requires compassion and the establishment of a just social reality. The church exhibits its love for neighbor in the full participation of …
The commitment of the church to peace and reconciliation has a central role in Christian vocation. For Presbyterians, it is a matter of creedal standing, briefly yet powerfully set forth in the Brief Statement of Faith (1991) cited above, and outlined at greater length in The Confession of 1967. Wording from both confessions is echoed in the title of this report. We acknowledge not only a "fearful" but a violent world, even as we hear God's call in our time to take new risks to challenge our country's over-reliance on military might and under-investment in "the things that make for …
A study of homelessness, it's causes, and faithful, holistic and hopeful ministry responses of local congregations and higher councils of the denomination. Drawing upon biblical calls to create spaces of radical hospitality, sustainable communities and relationships, and honoring God's gift of the earth and all of creation.
This report focuses on two major themes. The first theme is "The Land of Exile," which explores the difficulties and injustices endured by people with serious mental illness. The experience of mental illness disorders people's lives in ways that exile them from themselves, their families, and their community. The second theme, "God's Call to Comfort," focuses on appropriate ways congregations can minister with and to people with a serious mental illness. Throughout this report, people are understood from a Christian incarnational perspective, called to be delivered from chaos and disorder into the wholeness and communion of salvation.
This report presents the PC(USA) with a concise but comprehensive look at HIV and AIDS thirty years after it made its first blip on our epidemiological radar screens. We begin with an overview of the development of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in the United States and globally and the church's response. From this overview, we report on the present context of the global pandemic as it appears in the U.S. and other regions of the world.
Women's access to health care, generally, and to reproductive health care in particular, is one of the bases of women's equality, especially as women have entered the workforce. Since the 1970s, equal and adequate access to reproductive health care has been repeatedly supported by Presbyterian General Assemblies as essential to the exercise of our God-given responsibilities for family life. The church has encouraged marriage and parenthood as part of God's covenant of life and family planning as integral to family wellbeing.