Relying on our Legislative Principles derived from our faith traditions, we believe that health and wholeness are central to the well being of society. In the Christian tradition, 'health'; is more than just physical or medical; it is harmony and balance in all of life unifying the emotional and spiritual dimensions of all human existence. It is also made manifest only by the opportunity for all people to enjoy that harmony.

We have been active in advocating for a universal health care system in both California and the nation. We have supported state legislation that underscores keeping health care affordable and accessible to all people, providing preventive medicine, offering effective treatment for illness and injury, and assuring that all care is linguistically and culturally appropriate for our diverse population.

We have supported SB 840, the nation's most ambitious program to provide 'single payer' universal care and have also supported steps toward greater coverage such as SB 2 that extended care to low-income workers. We believe any movement toward universal coverage must put the needs of patients ahead of profits of health care institutions as its sole mission.

As part of health care we have also sponsored rehabilitation measures that would free individuals from dependence upon drugs, alcohol, and other substances and to protect them from gun violence, domestic violence, and sexual assault. We emphasize 'wellness' as the first prerequisite, and that means a safe and health environment in which to live, breathe, and work. To that end we also support legislation to limit toxic exposures in home, neighborhoods, and work. Finally, we also support efforts to remediate neighborhoods and to provide safe areas where people may engage in healthy activities and obtain nutritious food to help them help themselves to healthier lives.