Don't let political issues drive health care debate, bishop tells CHA

Published: 2006-06-06

ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) -- The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops urged Catholic health leaders June 6 not to let immigration reform, abortion or any other political issue derail their efforts to bring affordable health care to every American. "It will not be easy to make the case for decent health care for all in a political environment which is polarized and paralyzed by partisan and ideological battles," said Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., in the annual Flanagan Lecture at the Catholic Health Association's 91st assembly in Orlando. "Today, some would deny the presence of Christ in the work we do, and in too many cases would seek to force us by improper law or other pressures to deny who we are or to compromise our values by requiring us to act contrary to Catholic teaching or to not serve those we are called to serve regardless of their economic or immigration status," he added. But their participation in the healing ministry of Jesus requires Catholic leaders to "insist that access to quality health care should not depend on where your parents work; how much money you make; where you come from; or how you got here," Bishop Skylstad said.

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