An Open Letter to Gov.-elect Bill Lee
Join Christians Speaking Up for Christian Values.
Governor Bill Lee, As people of faith in Tennessee, we are concerned by the lack of access to health care for all Tennesseans, especially our neighbors living in poverty. Congruent with our faith and the teachings of Christ, we are speaking up for the most vulnerable among us: those without access to health care.
The decision of our elected leaders to deprive the vulnerable of health care by not expanding Medicaid runs in contrast to the teachings and works of Jesus Christ. The Book of Matthew describes Jesus “healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people” (Matthew 4:23). Jesus loved people. His presence brought light; His touch, healing; His life, grace. This repeated refusal to expand Medicaid to Tennesseans in need is a grave injustice in the eyes of Christ as we know Him in the Gospel.
Federal monies are available to increase access to health care, either through expanding TennCare or developing a new approach. We strongly urge you to embrace this opportunity and moral imperative to expand health coverage in our state.
As Christians, we believe that access to health care should be an article of faith, not a political calculation. After all, the second greatest commandment is to love others as we would ourselves. These are the two most important tenets of our faith.
When our state’s health care system leaves so many people uncared for – impacting human life itself – action becomes necessary. The Tennessee General Assembly has failed to act for far too long.
Your position as Governor, and as a man of faith, means it is your moral responsibility to demand legislation that uplifts the dignity of thousands of Tennesseans during the 2019 legislative session.
Sincerely,
Southern Christian Coalition