MNO Synod Bishop's Message

When we Turn Me into We!

I was one of the first people to see the new Michael Moore movie, “Sicko”.
Michael Moore is best known for his social commentaries such as the war on
terrorism (Farenheit 9-11) or on guns in North America (Bowling for
Columbine) or the recent one on the health care system (Sicko) and how
HMO’s are regulating who receives health care and who doesn’t in the United
States. While Michael Moore is a money making producer and he is rather
unorthodox in how he shares information, however biased it may seem, Michael
Moore, the person fascinates me.

He does not profess to be a Christian. He is indeed a human being concerned
about his world around him. His social commentaries speak to issues that matter
to everyday people. He is a do-gooder looking out for the little guy and you have
to admire that trait in him.

His last words in the movie, Sicko, struck me as something that speaks to our own situation in Canada, and for that matter, in our own ELCIC. He asks the question, “Why is it in our American culture, which has it all, that we can’t care for one another? When will we turn the ME into WE?

During one of his interviews, Moore speaks to a Canadian about the universal health care system in Canada. He questions why would you want to help others get health care when you could just pay for your own care and not worry about how others will get it? The interviewee responded by saying this is the way it has always been. We care for others because it is the right thing to do. In one proud moment I sat in the theatre and gave thanks for our health care system, but also for that man’s response. We do it because it’s the right thing to do.

Recently I spent four days in hospital. The first doctor in emergency took my hand and prayed for me. The second didn’t question my unknown state but ordered what he thought were appropriate tests for diagnosis. Nurses and other health care staff provided wonderful care and even when my bed was in the hallway, I was cared for as best could be.

Sure, our system isn’t perfect and there is concern about rising health care costs. But it is a system that honours both our history and traditions in Canada. From the first waves of immigration and settlement, we have been a people who have built schools, hospitals and other agencies that help take care of our neighbour. It’s been hit and miss, especially in our care of our aboriginal brothers and sisters, but attempts are being made. We have been a society that tries.

The church in Canada helped establish that history of caring for one another and it is being called upon to continue to do so. We have a statement to live by - IN MISSION FOR OTHERS. I’d like to think we don’t have a market on doing mission for others, but I most certainly would be proud if we led the way.

When you think of your congregation’s role in your community, are you leading the way? Is your ministry about “Me or We”?