President Obama addressed religious groups who believe extending health care to every American family is a "a moral priority" during a live call Wednesday evening organized by 40 Days for Health Reform, a campaign encompassing faith groups as varied as Jewish Women International, Islamic Society of North America, Progressive National Baptist Convention, and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good.

The president's brief remarks covered his usual healthcare reform talking points -- cost effectiveness, the brokenness of the present system, and that those currently covered will not lose their coverage -- along with an explicit defense against "fabrications," such as rumors legislation would fund abortions, provide coverage for illegal immigrants, and sponsor "death panels."

"There are [a lot of] folks out there who are frankly bearing false witness," he said.

By invoking the moral imperative for healthcare reform, an argument he usually subordinates to points about bending the cost curve, Obama seemed to tailor his remarks for the religious community.

"The one thing you all share is a moral conviction," Obama said. "You know this debate over health care goes to the heart of who we are as a people."

Individuals could listen to the call by phone or online. Organizers said 140,000 people of faith joined in.

For its part, the Republican National Convention put out a statement to counter the message Obama issued during the call.

"The religious left talks about their desire for 'social justice.' No bill that funds abortion or strips health care services away from seniors and low-income Americans can or should be considered just, and that is precisely what the president's plan does," said RNC Chairman Michael Steele, according to a release.

Since legislation is still taking shape as an effort of five committees across two chambers, it is not at all clear that a new law would have the consequences Steele invoked. Some pieces of the legislation specifically aim to safeguard against the two prospects Steele identified.