Atlanta hospital ensures Catholic identity through new sponsorship agreement
Summary
Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta, founded by the Sisters of Mercy, has entered a formal sponsorship agreement with the Archdiocese of Atlanta and Emory Healthcare to preserve its Catholic identity. The agreement ensures the hospital follows the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, maintains strong chaplaincy and community outreach, and remains committed to compassionate care. Hospital leaders emphasized that the new structure will uphold the legacy of integrating faith, science, and mercy, continuing the mission established over 145 years ago.
Relevance
This move exemplifies the strategies Catholic healthcare institutions use to safeguard their religious mission within secular healthcare systems. Through formal sponsorship models, hospitals reinforce their faith-based identity while navigating partnerships with larger, secular healthcare networks.