Disability awareness

disabilities, theology-ethics + the church

• Disability and the Church

• The Bible, Disability, and the Church

• Disability and the Way of Jesus

• My Body is not a Prayer Request by Amy Kenny

• Art Enables 

• An Invitation to the Inaccessible Church

• An Easter Faith, Being Lived In A Good Friday Body: A Theological Reflection on Living With Disabilities by John Weborg

• Winning Disability Rights

FROM THE ECC

This Women’s History Month we will celebrate the vital role of Covenant women in ministry and their unique approaches to ministry that add value to the witness of the church.  We will share stories of how women are being faithful to God’s call.

Jesus made the Gospel message accessible to all, so the church should engage in the creation of intentional pathways for those with disabilities to engage in meaningful fellowship with one another. This will look different from church to church but implementing a few key principles will go a long way to welcome people with disabilities in your congregation.
 
Principle 1: Awareness
          Awareness says, “I am seen.”
At this foundational level, churches recognize that individuals with disabilities are present in their congregations and communities. The presence of individuals with disabilities attending and worshipping alongside non-disabled members of the congregation is acknowledged.
 
Principle 2: Accessibility
            Accessibility says, “I can participate.”
Accessibility is more far reaching than ramps, restrooms, elevators, and the physical layout of a building. It extends to every participatory element of the congregational experience: children and youth ministry, small groups, communion, worship, special events, baptism, membership, and all other worship and service offerings. The accessible church allows persons with disabilities the opportunity to participate in the full range of worship, education and fellowship offerings.
 
Principle 3: Authentic Relationships
                Authentic relationships say, “These are my people.”
Individuals with and without disabilities begin living life side by side, inside and outside the church walls. Small groups and service opportunities are excellent conduits for building authentic relationships and shaping inclusive communities. As friendships are forged by shared life experience, shared fellowship and community forge authentic relationships.
 
Principle 4: Belonging
                Belonging says “This is my place.”
Belonging happens when individuals with disabilities are celebrated as valuable and equal members of the church and ministers of the Gospel. Benjamin Connor proposes that the vital nature of the “mutuality” of friendship is that a “full sense of belonging requires one’s being chosen.”[3] Here, the giftings and talents of those with disabilities are routinely welcomed, affirmed and given opportunity and resources to flourish in community.
 

Making Our Circles Whole

All churches begin their inclusive journey somewhere. Some churches may have ministries or aspects of ministries that are more accessible and inclusive than others. No matter the starting point or rate of growth, all churches have the capacity to create more inclusive spaces, thus spurring those with and without disabilities toward a greater and deeper discipleship experience.