Faith Leaders Celebrate Supreme Court Ruling on Affordable Care Act: “God is smiling down on today’s decision”
Faith leaders from diverse traditions celebrated today’s Supreme Court ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act. The faith community played a major role in securing passage of the law in 2010.
Below is a round-up of reactions from faith leaders:
“We are pleased that, based on an initial read of the ruling, the ACA has been found constitutional and will remain in effect. CHA has long supported health reform that expands access and coverage to everyone. We signed onto amicus briefs encouraging the Court to find in favor of the ACA’s individual mandate and the Medicaid expansion.” Full statement available here. – Sr. Carol Keehan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Health Association of the United States
“The Supreme Court did the right thing for American families by upholding the Affordable Care Act. Faith leaders worked tirelessly to pass this legislation because ensuring that all Americans have quality, affordable healthcare is a moral responsibility. The religious right needs to halt their misguided campaign to repeal this law. Human life is too sacred to be jeopardized by partisan crusades.” – Rev. Jennifer Butler, Executive Director, Faith in Public Life
“We are elated. The Supreme Court has affirmed that the law is constitutional, and we know that this prolife decision will save many, many lives. This is a win for the entire nation. Knowing that people with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage and that young people can continue to stay on their family healthcare policies is wonderful news for every family and individual.” Full statement available here. – Sr. Simone Campbell, Executive Director, NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby
“Today is a bright day for our nation, and, especially, for those whose access to health care is fragile. Today’s historic ruling on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a victory for those who believe, as we do, that health care is a fundamental right, and, especially given the lead opinion by Chief Justice Roberts, a victory for the court itself. The ACA now still has the chance to help the nearly 40 million currently uninsured Americans receive coverage and the millions of underinsured see their situation improved.” Full statement available here. – Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
“God is smiling down on today’s decision. The faith community has argued, time and time again, that health care is a right, not a privilege. I hope that people of all faiths hear this decision as a clarion call to continue fighting for protections for all God’s children, just as Christ intended.” – Rev. Michael Livingston, Director, National Council of Churches Poverty Initiative
“This is an important victory for millions of uninsured people in our country and ultimately a triumph of the common good. Children, young adults, and families will have access to basic health care, adding security and stability to their lives. While I believe the decision is reason to celebrate, it doesn’t mean that this legislation is somehow the flawless will of God; it is an important step in expanding health care coverage and reducing long term costs, but it still is not perfect and more work is yet to be done.” Full statement available here. – Rev. Jim Wallis, President and CEO,
Sojourners
“There is more to do, of course, to fix the health care system. But President Obama has moved us further down the path toward universal health care than any other president since Teddy Roosevelt first made the effort. This has long been a goal of the National Council of Churches and many Christian denominations, along with other interfaith leaders. Today is a good day for our nation.” Full
statement available here. – Rev. Chuck Currie, United Church of Christ minister serving Sunnyside and University Park Churches in Portland, OR
“Today’s ruling is a blessing for the millions of families who worry about getting sick and not being able to afford to get the care they need. The decision lets us carry out our moral duty to protect those who are sick and vulnerable.” Full statement available here. – Rev. Heyward Wiggins, co-chair, PICO National Steering Committee
“The United Methodist Church’s historic position that health care is a basic human right is informed by our biblical and theological witness. Everyone should have health care.The Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act is a huge step in the right direction and we celebrate provisions in that law that continue to fill the gaps and expand existing health care, particularly to low-income Americans.” – Jim Winkler, General Secretary, United Methodist General Board of Church & Society
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