Jesus said, “I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10b). Abundant life includes health and wholeness, and access to good health care. Our priority is to live into God’s vision of abundance. That is why we work in the areas of health care, mental health and addictions.
“Health is a condition of physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being.”
— United Methodist Social Principles, ¶162.V
Our Social Principles state “Creating the personal, environmental and social conditions in which health can thrive is a joint responsibility—public and private” (Social Principles, ¶162.V). God created all of us to thrive and be well. Today’s world poses barriers to that. Too many of us lack access to quality health care when we are sick, and preventive care when we are well.
Our work on health care, mental health and addictions seeks to address unjust policies and practices that obstruct good health. The United Methodist Church declares, “Health care is a basic human right“ (Social Principles, ¶162.V). It also says, “It is unjust to construct or perpetuate barriers to physical or mental wholeness or full participation in community” (Social Principles, ¶162.V).
Our call is to advocate for policies that promote access to health care, including mental health and addiction resources.