Chapter 8 details the long-standing history in the United States of official position statements by religious institutions and organizations regarding medical and healthcare issues, legislation, and policies that impact the health and well-being of the broader population. This history is highlighted by the recent national debate on healthcare reform, which was influenced by advocacy reports for or against features of proposed legislation issued by denominations and faith-based organizations across the religious spectrum. This chapter also provides perspectives on the contentious subject of federal faith-based initiatives since the passage of legislation authorizing charitable choice, under President Bill Clinton, which led to establishment of a White House faith-based office in the subsequent three administrations. Programmatic and policy successes of this initiative are described, especially in the areas of community and global health, an example being PEPFAR, the most successful program ever established to address AIDS in the developing world.
Teaching Content on Social Work Practice with Religious Congregations: A Curriculum Module