“It’s our belief that it’s not just a political and economic issue, it’s a fundamental moral issue,” said David Liners, state coordinator for WISDOM, an interfaith coalition of about 140 Wisconsin congregations working to advance health care reform.<\/p>\n
Despite near consensus in the call for reform, there remains widespread debate over who and what procedures should be covered – with undocumented workers and abortion as the main flash points – and at what cost; the role of government and whether the law or conscience should dictate a health care professional’s participation.<\/p>\n
Alliances have emerged that reflect traditionally political divisions as much as faith, according to the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.<\/p>\n
“It’s not a question of whether we need health care reform, but how we do it. And I don’t think government is the way,” said Mathew Staver, chairman of the faith-based coalition Freedom Federation, which opposes abortion and advocates a free-market approach to reform.”We believe individual liberties trump government-imposed obligations,” he said.<\/p>\n