Faith groups address health care debate

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An Indianapolis pastor is working with more than two dozen faith groups, putting them in the middle of the health care debate. He and the others say reform is needed and they want more people to get involved.

Forty Days For Health Reform is a national campaign designed to show that health care is a moral issue not a political one.

John Hay Jr., a longtime Indianapolis pastor and advocate for the poor, is promoting the campaign. which includes a call-in with President Obama August 19.

"People can call in and ask their questions and share their ideas about health care reform with our president," said Hay.

Curt Smith is the president of the Indiana Family Institute, an Indianapolis faith-based group that promotes policy. He believes faith-based groups are an important part of the health care debate.

"But they kind of begin with an assumption that I'd like to challenge and that is, while health care is an important part of our moral commitment in this country, government should carry out that moral commitment," said Smith.

Hay Jr. said his program is not looking for government to take over anything.

Glenn Tebbe is the executive director of the Indiana Catholic Conference . The church, he says, believes health care is a fundamental right.

"Government is involved in our health care already in so many ways because the problem is so large and so immense," said Tebbe. "We see this as an opportunity to try and make some positive changes to a system that needs correction."

One area where there is agreement is on abortion. All three men said it should not be a part of health care reform, saying it should be left at status quo for now.

For more information on the national call-in with President Obama next Wednesday, visit faithforhealth.org .