Kinnamon: the time for health care reform is now

Washington, March 16, 2010 -- In a "straightforward" message to the U.S. Congress, National Council of Churches  General Secretary Michael Kinnamon said it is time to pass "a desperately-needed reform of this country's health care system."

Kinnamon's letter, which said the leadership of the National Council of Churches is praying for Congress, declared: "As President Obama has said, the time for debating is behind us.

"What is needed now is the political and moral courage to act on behalf of the most vulnerable members of our society – those who are uninsured. In this holy season of Lent, we pray that Congress will find such courage. May we as a nation demonstrate a commitment to the common good through a health care reform that places the well being of all at the center of our national life."

NCC News contact:  Philip E. Jenks, 212-870-2228 (office), 646-853-4212 (cell) , pjenks@ncccusa.org