Midland Memorial Hospital, First Baptist Church Agree To Bible Ultimatum
By: Karl Rundgren
Updated: December 2, 2011
MIDLAND -- On November 26th, members of First Baptist Church were surprised when Midland Memorial Hospital ended a 60 year tradition.
Volunteers had been giving copies of the new testament to all new mothers at Midland Memorial Hospital for decades. But the hospital abruptly ended the procedure Saturday, and asked the volunteers to leave the building.
The hospital said they were worried that the practice was a violation of patient privacy, but the decision led to some heated emotions.
In the days since, both First Baptist Church and Midland Memorial Hospital have sat down to discuss the issue.
"Once the hospital and the church began to talk it's been very cordial on both sides to work out an agreement," First Baptist Church Midland Pastor Randel Everett told Big 2. "We're very optimistic we have an agreement now."
On Thursday, First Baptist Church talked with their volunteers to discuss their new policy.
Volunteers must now ask for patient consent before handing out bibles. Once, that consent is given, they will be allowed to give the new testament.
Church volunteers hope to begin the process as soon as possible.
Volunteers had been giving copies of the new testament to all new mothers at Midland Memorial Hospital for decades. But the hospital abruptly ended the procedure Saturday, and asked the volunteers to leave the building.
The hospital said they were worried that the practice was a violation of patient privacy, but the decision led to some heated emotions.
In the days since, both First Baptist Church and Midland Memorial Hospital have sat down to discuss the issue.
"Once the hospital and the church began to talk it's been very cordial on both sides to work out an agreement," First Baptist Church Midland Pastor Randel Everett told Big 2. "We're very optimistic we have an agreement now."
On Thursday, First Baptist Church talked with their volunteers to discuss their new policy.
Volunteers must now ask for patient consent before handing out bibles. Once, that consent is given, they will be allowed to give the new testament.
Church volunteers hope to begin the process as soon as possible.
