TOPEKA — A group of faith-focused Kansans are launching a campaign to advocate for Medicaid expansion in Kansas through a series of events during February, dubbed the “Love Thy Neighbor” campaign.
“Matthew 25:35b says: ‘For I was thirsty and you gave me drink.’ In Luke 10:25-37 we read the familiar story about the Good Samaritan, which vividly demonstrates the choices of those who are in a position to render aid to a person who is clearly in need,” said Rev. Dr. Bobby Love, pastor of Second Baptist Church of Olathe. “I thank God each and every day that there are people who care. It’s time to do the right thing and expand Medicaid.”
The campaign has three components that Kansans can get involved with throughout February:
• February 2-4: Synchronized sermons: Join other Kansas clergy from faith traditions throughout Kansas to preach a sermon on how we can love our neighbors through Medicaid expansion. Find resources developed by Kansas Interfaith Action to help plan the sermon.
• Through February 13: Postcard campaign: In conjunction with the Faith + Democracy Roundtable, we are collecting postcards from any and all Kansans to give legislators showing how important Medicaid expansion is to their constituents. Sign the digital postcard supporting Medicaid expansion and a physical copy will be delivered to legislators on Feb. 14.
• February 14: “Love Thy Neighbor” Day at the Statehouse – Join other faith-minded advocates at the Kansas Statehouse to advocate for accessible health care for all Kansans. It is Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday, so it is a great day to show love to fellow Kansans who live in the coverage gap by advocating for Medicaid expansion. Lunch will be provided. RSVP on the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas website.
“Medicaid expansion will usher in greater care of our most vulnerable and will support the health care system to provide for all Kansans,” said David Jordan, President of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “It is vitally important that we do not leave our neighbors out in the cold and that is why I am so appreciative of this gathering of interfaith leaders aimed at this goal.”
Promotional resources are available on the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas website.
The “Love Thy Neighbor” campaign is jointly sponsored by Kansas Interfaith Action; Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Office of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation; MORE2 Faith + Democracy Roundtable; Faith Voices for Medicaid Expansion; United Methodist Health Ministry Fund; and the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas.
