In the spirit of the holiday honoring Rev. Dr. King, the pastors, joined by Advocate Health Care workers, addressed the disparities in investments at Bethany and other Advocate urban hospitals that serve low income and minority communities compared to Good Shepherd and other suburban Advocate hospitals that serve predominantly affluent, white communities.

"We are concerned that Advocate, while upholding the mantle of Jesus Christ as a compassionate health care provider with a faith-based mission, is turning a blind eye to the poor by divesting resources from urban hospitals," said Rev. Clarence R. Kelley, president of Metropolitan Alliance of Congregations (MAC) West. Dr. King said that injustice in health care is the most deplorable of injustices. Jesus said if you love him, then feed his flock."

"We are asking Advocate to feed the poor by ceasing and desisting its practice of not adequately investing capital to bring its urban hospitals up to par with those that serve the affluent of the beautiful community of Barrington," said Rev. Kelley.