Amidst Ethical and Moral Concerns in Health Care,
Catholic Health Care Alliance Aims To Protect And Advance
Catholic Practice of Medicine
Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance Unites Catholic Health Care Organizations and Professionals to Advocate for Religious Liberty and Conscience Rights in Medicine
In the moral and ethical minefield that is health care in the United States, an alliance of healthcare related organizations, medical professionals, and hospital systems has arisen to counter unethical practices and support the right to practice and receive medical care that is in accordance with the ethical teachings of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance (CHCLA) focuses on political advocacy, education, and evangelization of health care workers in any role and promotes freedom of conscience and religious liberty.
“In order to uphold the truth of the Catholic faith in the practice of medicine, there is an urgent need for a clear, strong, and united voice to promote and defend medical care practiced in harmony with the mind of Christ and the long-standing tradition of His Church,” said Steven White, M.D., President of CHCLA.
The organization was formed in January 2022 by the Catholic Medical Association, The National Catholic Bioethics Center, Catholic Benefits Association, Catholic Bar Association, and Christ Medicus Foundation, who united together to lay the foundation for this coalition-building organization. An Episcopal Advisory Board made up of bishops who support its mission round out the leadership of CHCLA.
“This Alliance brings together the best minds in medicine, law, business, and theology,” Bishop James D. Conley, Chair of the CHCLA Episcopal Advisory Board and Bishop of Lincoln, NE said. ”CHCLA’s important work will not only bring faithful medicine to our people but bring our people to a deeper relationship with God.”
CHCLA is driven by its members, who are made up of Catholic physicians, nurses, administrators, students, health systems, hospitals, and provider groups. “Our hope is that our members can mutually benefit from each other and our organizations. We welcome all who are aligned with our mission to join CHCLA,” White said.
Through education and evangelization of individuals, political advocacy, and providing support for Catholics in any sphere of health care, CHCLA also hopes to pave the road for reform in health care to be more in accordance with the social teachings of the Catholic Church. Defending the sanctity of life at all stages, making health care more financially accessible and readily available, and defending providers and patients when religious liberty or freedom of conscience issues arise are all at the top of the list.
To advance these goals among others, CHCLA will launch the Symposium for the Advancement of Catholic Health Care on November 12 at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Joshua McCaig, a CHCLA Director and Chair of the Symposium, stated:
“The symposium is a three-year initiative bringing together national and international experts to examine all facets of what makes Catholic health care truly Catholic, focusing on the mission of Christ’s healing ministry, and laying the foundation for the future.”
At the event, Catholic physicians, health care workers, theologians, lawyers, and academic leaders will evaluate the current state of Catholic health care, identify and analyze issues, and propose solutions. Registration for this event is open at CatholicHealthAlliance.org.
“The practice of medicine and healing the sick must never be separated from the infinitely kind and merciful guidance of Jesus Christ who traveled throughout Galilee ‘healing every disease and every sickness among the people’ (Mt 4:23). The Church has always, as Christ taught us, paid preferential attention to the sick and vulnerable. All of those who stand with us must recognize that, for our mission to continue, we must not stray from Catholic principles as individual physicians and as large institutions. That is the mission our work must renew,” White said.
For more information about Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance and a complete press kit, visit here.
Dr. Steven White and Joshua McCaig are available for comment. To request an interview, contact Carrie Kline.
2 thoughts on “Catholic Health Care Alliance Aims To Protect And Advance Catholic Practice of Medicine”
Good to see Catholic voices united in promoting sound morals in health care. Arguably that witness would have been much stronger had those same voices been united in condemning the development of medical products made using abortion derived technology such as the injections, still in use today, for many maladies including but not limited to covid. And in refusing to go along with the firing of health care workers who decline on moral grounds, to use these products. Did Catholics in the health care field condemn those firings? If not, they should do so now.
It’s inspiring to see organizations like the Catholic Health Care Alliance advocating for the values and integrity of Catholic medicine. Ensuring patients receive care that aligns with their beliefs is so important. Programs that provide spiritual support alongside medical treatment make a real difference, helping patients and families feel comforted and guided during challenging times. This holistic approach truly elevates patient care.