To preserve the Catholic healthcare ministry in this pluralistic society, certain elements of the Catholic tradition must be transmitted to non-Catholics.
The first of three responses to Martin Marty argues that a sacramental view, human exemplarity, and a special ethos can frame a response to the call that is worthy of our tradition.
Providers must retrieve and deepen their understanding of the Catholic tradition.
A genuinely pluralistic society must have a place for the works of various religious traditions.
If we are to have a system that can serve us all, we will need to keep focused on our fundamental values.
Challenges to our twentieth-century model of Catholic healthcare require providers to refashion this perennial ministry for a new age.
In the struggle for control of healthcare, providers are losing power, raising the question: Is this what we wanted?
To be credible players in public debates on euthanasia and assisted suicide, Catholics have to bear convincing witness to the ways we care for ourselves and our patients.
Persuasive arguments are required to counter the cultural rush toward assisted suicide.
Once the current tremors in the healthcare system cease, Catholic healthcare workers are in for some seismic changes.
Stephen M. Shortell, PhD, predicts the need for tremendous leadership skills in the development of community care managament systems.
Sponsors of rural healthcare ministries need to learn to be pioneers again.
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