ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on Health and Health Care
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
Pastor and health care professional Kathie Bender Schwich traces the origins, dimensions, and legacy of the ELCA's 2003 social statement "Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor." From the 2009 passage of the Affordable Care Act to new understandings of adverse childhood experiences and the social determinants of health, much has changed--but as Bender Schwich explains, the theological underpinnings of the statement remain cogent expressions of our callings as individuals, congregations, and communities to care for ourselves and each other. Bender Schwich's accessible prose helps readers understand how "Caring for Health" provides guidance for engaging difficult issues including palliative care, end-of-life planning, and equitable access to services. After highlighting emergent issues ranging from the health impacts of climate change to the societal burdens of loneliness and burnout, Bender Schwich shares creative and encouraging wisdom for congregations and communities seeking to discern how they're called to care for themselves and for others. With thoughtful discussion questions and a list of recommended readings, ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on Health and Health Care is a useful resource for both individual and group use.
Endorsements (3)
“Praise for ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on Health and Health Care In a moment of great change in society and government, it is more important than ever to remember who we are and what we stand for as a church. This primer on ELCA social teaching on heath and health care is a critical, detailed, and thorough reminder of our most foundational claim as Lutheran Christians: that we are freed in Christ to love and serve the health and well-being of our neighbors, just as Jesus did.”
Rev. Dr. Phil Hirsch
“Kudos to Augsburg Fortress for publishing such a timely resource as congregations, clergy, and social ministry organizations confront pressingly urgent matters of health equity. The Rev. Kathie Bender Schwich provides helpful context to us all with updates on new challenges since the original statement was published. Prayerful deliberations, group discussions, and active responses will no doubt flow into meaningful steps.”
“In this wonderful book, Kathie Bender Schwich provides a thoughtful, comprehensive discussion of how we as Lutherans are called to care for the health of our local and global communities. She discusses the importance of building health and caring for the sick, drawing from multiple sources: the Bible, Christianity, interfaith communications, and ELCA social statements and social messages. Ms. Bender Schwich guides the reader in discussing what we as individuals, congregations, congregations, and a society can and must do as we try to care for ourselves and our brothers and sisters in this sometimes-broken world.”
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