For the majority of the world's population health problems are related to preventable diseases. These health problems do not exist in isolation from other problems of social, economic and environmental situations such as poor education opportunities, scarcity of health and related care, lack of resources and inequality in distribution of wealth. The church is called to address such issues of injustice as these. The challenge for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in responding to health related issues is increasing. This church must face the reality of what can be done in such circumstances.
Choices have to be made.
The choices will include setting priorities among various programs and seeking ways to meet the needs of the people so that all may have full abundance of life. The church must also challenge systems, institutions, and governments that directly or indirectly contribute to inequity in providing health care, especially to those most in need. The primary resource for overcoming these obstacles is God's word and the spirit of Jesus in the community of God's people. Jesus went through Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.