Federal Legislative Affairs

Harvard Law professor Einer Elhauge recently wrote an article in the National Law Journal that refers to Justice Kagan’s mention of Christian Scientists during the Supreme Court’s oral arguments on the health care reform law. Elhauge’s article bolsters the case for the Federal Office’s multiple efforts to resolve the inequity facing Christian Scientists under the health care reform law. Learn more.

The First Church of Christ, Scientist was one of the 19 organizations that signed a March 22 letter—sent to every Member of Congress—asking that Congress permanently extend the Religious Worker Visa Program (RWVP), which is set to expire on September 30, 2012. The Church, which has several employees who have made use of the RWVP, has been an active supporter of this provision. Over the years, the Church has worked with the other members of the Religious Worker Visa Coalition and Congressional offices to maintain RWVP’s existence. Read more.

Our last newsletter included an article on the oral arguments heard by the Supreme Court regarding the health care reform law and Justice Kagan’s mention of Christian Scientists. Many of you responded by email, phone, and in the “comments” section of the article with your questions, thoughts, and ideas. We’re so grateful for everything you shared and for the dialogue that is taking place! In this follow-up article, we respond to three of the most frequently asked questions.

On Feb. 7, 2012, a federal appeals court ruled in Brian Hall, et al. v. Kathleen Sebelius, et al. that senior citizens who receive Social Security cannot reject their legal rights to Medicare benefits. On March 22, the plaintiffs filed a Petition for Rehearing and Suggestion for Rehearing En Banc. This means that, should the U.S. Court of Appeals grant the petition, the case will be heard by all the judges of the court—not just a panel of them, as is the norm. Learn more.

On March 26-28, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The Court scheduled six hours of arguments—more than any case since 1966—and is expected to issue its decision in June. During Tuesday’s arguments, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan indicated that in her view, Christian Scientists might have a basis to challenge the individual mandate. Learn more.

We’ve made an exciting new addition to our website—our Legislative Action Center. This section of our website contains legislative data and online tools that enable you to have an active and timely role in the health care reform efforts. We need your help! Find out what you can do.

People often confuse Christian Science and Scientology—and even Christian Scientists themselves aren’t always very familiar with the distinctions in teachings and practices between the two religions! Christian Science practitioner Shirley Paulson has written an informative, well-researched article entitled “Scientology or Christian Science?” on the differences (and similarities) that exist between the two. If you’d like to learn more to enhance your own understanding or to be better equipped to correct misconceptions among your friends and acquaintances, check out the article!

The new health care law requirement to provide employees of religiously-affiliated institutions with contraceptive services has sparked a national debate about religious freedom in health care. In a few cases, the media inaccurately reported that Christian Scientists are exempt from or accommodated by the individual mandate to purchase insurance. In other instances, some pundits and lawmakers tried to stereotype Christian Science and pull it into the polarizing and emotional issue of birth control. Whenever appropriate, the Committee—with the help of other church members—has responded according to our mission in removing “impositions on the public in regard to Christian Science”.

Read the full article and see a sampling of news articles mentioning Christian Science.

Twenty-three states have “high risk” insurance plans (for individuals with pre-existing health conditions) that include among their covered benefits Christian Science practitioner and Christian Science nursing care. This is a meaningful development for those with pre-existing conditions who may be interested in using Christian Science services.

Read the full article.