Amidst the onslaught of information on health and ethics, why would the Park Ridge Center contribute to this overload with yet another newsletter? The answer is simple: attention to religion is remarkably paltry. The literature shows little appreciation for faith's contribution to the conversation. The Bulletin's aim is to fill that gap by invigorating discussion about religion in health-care ethics.

All the Bulletin's columns are meant to accomplish one goal — highlighted in the column entitled "Connect the Dots." Media and academic coverage of health, faith, or ethics often brings audiences to the cusp of making connections between health, faith, and ethics without ever developing the interrelations.

In the recent coverage of the Supreme Court's decision on assisted suicide the media covered the religious perspective by highlighting religious objections but without ever connecting the dots about how faith communities would be challenged to offer viable alternatives to assisted suicide. Our Bulletin —and Center— are as much concerned with what is not said, as with what is said. In "Media Rx" for example, we will identify what coverage is overlooked and imagine what insights would have enriched public discussion of the issue.

Our preoccupation, however, is not simply with the void. Rather, advances in health science often challenge faith perspectives and compel a rethinking of core beliefs. Conversely, frequently overlooked values found in faith communities can offer a poignant critique of prevailing views of medicine, health, and healing. The Bulletin's lead story on Lon Priddle provides a narrative of the complexity of dying well — one idea that is frequently overlooked in a press that simply frames the issue of assisted suicide as pro and con debate.

If you feel that the coverage of health and ethics is monochromatic, we hope that you will read the Bulletin for its ability to communicate the texture, tone, and depth that a faith perspective can bring. Each part of the Bulletin—the narrative lead story, the use of images, or offbeat essay reflects our goal: to enrich health and healing by illuminating the faith dimensions. We look forward to promoting this conversation and welcome your opinions.