The Situation

The next 10 weeks represent a rare window of opportunity to provide health care for all people in the United States. Jesus provided a promise of God’s grace for us all when he proclaimed we shall “have Life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, NRSV)

The U.S. health care system is costly, has huge gaps for the insured and uninsured alike. The prophetic word here is this system must be made whole again. This system must ensure that no one is left on the outside of a health-care system in the richest nation in the world.

The prospect of health-care reform affects all of us, and as people of faith, we must take action to ensure that God’s vision of abundant life is fulfilled for every one of God’s children so that we care for the health of ourselves and our neighbors.
In accepting this challenge, you will add your voice to the call for a justice-filled system of health-care that is:

INCLUSIVE: Health care is a right and a shared responsibility that is grounded in our common humanity.

AVAILABLE: Health care must contribute to the common good by being available to everyone, especially those who cannot afford it.

ACCESSIBLE: All persons should have access to health services that provide necessary care and contribute to wellness.

ACCOUNTABLE: Our health care system must be accountable, offering a quality, equitable and sustainable means of keeping us healthy as individuals and as a community.

What the Church Says

"We believe Health Care is a basic human right."
United Methodist Social Principle ¶162.V

United Methodist church supports a Single-Payer System.
2008 Book of Resolutions,
3201. Health Care for All in the United States

While current legislation does not include a single-payer system, ensuring that a strong public option is a necessity for reform reflects our values.

Ways to Take Action

We are offering 10 ways take action during the next 10 weeks or so. Join us in commitment to be a part of the 10:10 Challenge, and let us know what you and your church are doing so we can spread the word that this issue matters!

The Challenge

We invite people of all faith to participate in the 10:10 Challenge. The 1010Challenge.org website allows you to start a team challenge and invite others to join.

We hope the challenge will engage and empower you to mobilize your Sunday School, Youth Groups, UMW Circles, or other small groups of interested people to commit to being a part of health-care reform.