Faith Planning Center
Eternal God, we praise you for giving us life and calling us into the community to care for each other... Strengthen in us a determination to solve the problem of uninsured Americans, especially our children, so that all may have the care they need. Amen.
Forty-seven million Americans, including more than 9 million children, are living without health care coverage--forced to gamble everyday that they won't get sick or injured. And the problem is getting worse. Each year, more and more hard-working families join the ranks of the uninsured. The time for change is now.
We, in the faith community have partnered with Cover the Uninsured to focus attention on the millions of Americans without health care coverage and generated widespread commitment to solving this problem. While our theological and social perspectives on many issues may differ, we can all agree that there is a moral imperative for us, as individuals of faith, to bring our voice to the issue of health care coverage for Americans.
Heed this call to care and take action by participating in Cover the Uninsured. The following are a few things you can do to get involved:
- Pledge your support.
Go to What You Can Do to find steps you can take to make a difference. - Pray for the uninsured.
Unite as a community to ensure all Americans gain health care coverage, allowing the gift of health to prosper. - Explore this issue in your congregation.
Hold study groups, interfaith prayer breakfasts or vigils for the uninsured. Download resources and materials for your use in study and prayer.
For Faith Leaders
This section provides materials developed by well-respected religious leaders and scholars specifically for the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith communities, including:
- Materials for Christian Prayer, Study and Action
- Materials for Jewish Prayer, Study and Action
- Materials for Muslim Prayer, Study and Action
- Call to Care - The Call to Care, signed by the National Interfaith Advisory Board, can be used as a responsive reading, at an interfaith prayer breakfast or summit, in newsletters or bulletins, or posted in a gathering place.
Take Action!
Learn how to involve faith communities in efforts to help the uninsured get health coverage with these resources:
- Words of Thanks - A letter from the Cover the Uninsured National Interfaith Advisory Board
- Getting Started - How to begin outreach to faith communities
- Action Steps for Faith Communities - Learn about the Cover the Uninsured effort and how you can get involved.
- How to Plan an Interfaith Prayer Breakfast - A step-by-step plan for organizing an interfaith prayer breakfast
Additional Materials - available free of charge!
Download or order free materials that will help make your outreach a success!
- Template Bulletin Insert - Let your community know about the 9.4 million children living without health insurance by sharing this bulletin insert in your congregation.
- Template Listserv - Spread the word electronically about the 9.4 million children living without health insurance and let friends and family know what they can do to help.
- Template Letter to a Leader - Engage secular and faith leaders in your community in Cover the Uninsured with this letter of involvement.
- Issues Guide: Health Care Coverage in America: Understanding the Issues and Proposed Solutions - Explains how Americans get coverage, who is uninsured, why coverage is important and various policy approaches to securing coverage for more Americans.
Visit our Events Map to learn more about what others are doing to get involved.
Click here for free resources and materials.
Sign up to receive the Weekly News Digest and e-mail updates on the issue of the uninsured.
A list of Cover the Uninsured National Interfaith Advisory Board members can be found here.