The Rule of Conscience in Health Care Decisions by Paul D. Simmons, Ph.D.

The concerns of pastoral care and ethics came together in the recent announcement from Health and Human Services regarding the protection of conscience for health care providers. Lurking in the background, perhaps covered by layers of tradition, are philosophical and theological assumptions that also need careful attention. Unfortunately, policy statements from political leaders rarely deal in depth with the issues upon which they make pronouncements. The effort to expand “protections” for physicians, pharmacists and other health care providers has far-reaching implications.

The Scope and Nature of Health Care in the United States And the Impact On Its Stake Holders     By Robert Sexton, MD

The initial task of this paper is to outline some of the major influences that are adversely affecting health care delivery. This exposition will be primarily pointed at concerns regarding the scope and nature of the health care delivery system and the stake holders that exist in the United States. Many of the problems, however, occur worldwide and will become increasingly global in scope as time progresses. Once the scope of the problems affecting health care delivery has been touched upon, in a fairly superficial manner, the second task of the paper will be to consider the role of faith communities as stake holders in the delivery of health care.

Being Sought by Edward Thornton, Ph.D.

Just as I see myself to be in prime,
I awake, like Dante, in a dark wood.
Lost.

Equipping the Laity for Pastoral Care

Grief Support for Individuals and Families

by Anne K. Windus, Ph.D.

The rain continued. The ground was saturated. In the early hours of the morning the earthen dam gave way and a wall of water from a lake plunged down the mountain and over Toccoa Falls and roared through the sleeping college campus of Toccoa Falls College. The raging waters took with it everything in its path...trees, cars, homes, and the lives of thirty-nine students, faculty, staff and children. My father taught at that college and my parents were some of the many that helped those whose homes had been washed away.