Sanctuary of Ward A.M.E. Church
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Ward AME Joins Debate On Health Care Reform
By Cora Jackson-Fossett
Contributing Writer Â
Heath care reform is among the hottest topics in the country and Ward A.M.E. Church is making sure its members are informed about it.
According to Pastor C. Dennis Williams, “Our church is community based and our membership, as well as the surrounding neighborhood, needs to know how reform may affect them. I think our church is a good venue for people to get answers to their questions on the issue.”
Ward took a step in that direction by hosting a town hall meeting on August 27 sponsored by U.S. Representative Diane Watson and California Assembly Speaker Karen Bass. The forum attracted more than 500 people comprised of African Americans, whites, Latinos, young people and senior citizens.
In addition to Watson and Bass, participants included Dr. Keith Norris, Interim President of Charles Drew University; Jeanine English, State President of AAPR; and Anthony Wright, Executive Director of the Health Access Foundation.
“This big attendance reflects the concerns people have about the health care reform. I think it’s good that the church can reach outside its walls to inform the greater community about an issue that may profoundly impact their lives,” said Rev. Dr. Williams. He also commended Rev. Charolyn Jones, Executive Minister, and Sis. Jackie DuPont -Walker, Director of Ward’s Social Action Commission, for organizing the forum with Rep. Watson.
In addition, the A.M.E. denomination is taking action to inform their membership about the issue. “We, in the A.M.E. Church, have joined with a coalition of other faith communities to connect and energize people across the country who care about supporting President Obama in reforming health care and who want to be part of the solution,” said DuPont-Walker.
The A.M.E. Church’s involvement is a joint program of its Social Action and Health Commissions. The members are Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Rev. Miriam J. Burnett, Mrs. Gwen Williams, and DuPont-Walker.
For more information, visit www.faithforhealth.org/ame and www.HealthReform.gov.
