Resolution of Endorsement
Whereas, as Christians, we follow as Lord and Savior someone who is still referred to as the Great Physician; someone who heals the sick, guides the lost, and liberates the oppressed.
Whereas, it is written: “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity.” (Matthew 9:35, RSV)
Whereas, it is also written: “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 2, NASB)
Whereas, as people of great compassion, Christians have selflessly and tirelessly served throughout the world as medical missionaries, started hospitals, trained doctors and nurses, staffed free clinics, and promoted responsible and healthy lifestyles.
Whereas, the Church remains an institution of influence in North Carolina, and clergy are regarded as moral leaders on issues of faith and everyday life.
Whereas, the mission of Partners in Health and Wholeness, a program of the North Carolina Council of Churches, is to promote health as a faith issue and to connect people of faith with quality health programs across the state.
Whereas, Partners in Health and Wholeness was born out of the Council’s concern, and our sense of God’s concern, for the mental, physical and spiritual health and well-being of God’s people.
Whereas, each Sunday, church pews across the state are filled with people who seek to improve their lives but may be unaware of their health risks or how to address them.
Whereas, each year, thousands of North Carolinians die of preventable diseases, while regular exercise and good nutrition reduce one’s risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and stroke, some cancers, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and bone loss.
Whereas, in 2007, only 44% of adults were getting the recommended amount of physical activity, 21.6% were eating 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and nearly two-thirds (64.6%) of adults and one-third (35.5%) of children were either overweight or obese.
Whereas, North Carolina spends an estimated $24.1 billion each year in health care costs related to physical inactivity, obesity, type II diabetes and low consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Whereas, 22.9% of the adult population in North Carolina smokes, and cigarette smoking causes 87% of lung cancer deaths.
Whereas, secondhand smoke also poses a significant health risk -- nearly 3,000 non-smokers in the U.S. die of lung cancer each year as a result of secondhand smoke exposure.
Whereas, approximately 1.5 million people in North Carolina lack health insurance, either public or private, greatly limiting their access to needed health care and increasing their chance of premature death by 25 percent.
Whereas, the Partners in Health and Wholeness Initiative seeks to reduce the health care burden on our state by helping people of faith lead healthier lives.
Whereas, there are a number of quality health programs across North Carolina that have agreed to partner with the Council to promote health as an issue of faith and provide valuable health resources and services to our congregants.
Whereas, there are simple steps that a congregation can take to improve the health of its members — such as serving water instead of carbonated drinks or sweetened tea at church functions, establishing tobacco-free facilities, or hosting a health fair.
Therefore, be it resolved, that our congregation and/or judicatory endorses Partners in Health and Wholeness and its affiliated health programs and activities.
And be it further resolved, that as followers of Jesus Christ, the Great Physician, our congregation and/or judicatory commits to a renewed concern about the health of our congregants and calls on our members to engage in programs that promote congregational health and well-being.
