Embracing Disability in Church Communities

Oct 19, 2024

Review flashcards

Enabling the Whole Church

Overview

  • Lecture delivered at the Jesus Club conference, focusing on ministry for people with intellectual disabilities.
  • Discussed the prevalence of disabilities and the lack of discourse on the topic within churches.
  • Highlighted cultural and ecclesiastical ambiguities towards disabilities.
  • Explored why the disabled belong in faith communities.

Key Statistics and Issues

  • 20% of the global population has some form of disability (World Health Organization).
  • Mixed cultural messages: Beneficial schemes like the National Disability Insurance Scheme vs. negative narratives (e.g., genetic disability eradication, euthanasia).
  • Church's historical role in caring for the disabled often shifted to charity sector.

Topics Explored

Identity

  • Christian Identity: Formed by the image of God and Baptism, not by demographics or abilities.
    • Image of God: Belonging and royal status irrespective of rationality, relationality, or abilities.
    • Baptism: Unites all believers, negating societal status differences (e.g., Galatians 3:28-29).

Vulnerability and Societal Views

  • Societal views can devalue lives of people with disabilities.
  • Charlotte Fien's UN speech highlights the ethical concerns of abortion and euthanasia related to disabilities.
    • Christianity provides moral clarity by valuing inherent life dignity.

Community and Belonging

  • Importance of moving from inclusion to belonging for disabled individuals in the church.
  • Encouragement for churches to be welcoming, friendly, and supportive, promoting the use of spiritual gifts.

Advocacy and Ethical Stance

  • Christians equipped with moral tools to affirm the dignity of all, regardless of ability.
  • The need to challenge ableist attitudes and promote positive representation in various spheres.

Hospitality and Hope

  • Churches should offer community and friendship not found elsewhere.
  • Emphasis on seeing individuals with disabilities as image bearers, not as projects.

Conclusion

  • Identity shaped by God's image and baptism.
  • Advocacy as a defense for disabled individuals.
  • Community should foster belonging, not just inclusion.
  • Churches as places of grace, hope, and belonging for all, including the disabled.

Additional References

  • Encouragement for theological studies at Ridley College.
  • Prominent figures like John Swinton, John Kilner, and Charlotte Fien referenced.

This lecture calls for a holistic approach to integrating disabled individuals into church life, emphasizing dignity, belonging, and community support.