Thanknyou for the shared thoughts and glimmers of hope. Must admit I am from a more justice-activist background and after over 25 years am finding having the same convos exhausting as in different churches we use the idea that "church moves sliw", etc.
Something I think needs more exploring in the Canadian context was a reminder from the church retreat story. I wonder was it an accessible van rented? I ask because in my location we tried to find there was maybe 2 available for rent in a city of over a million folks. And truly understanding what accessible looks likemin physical spaces, the reminder when we have met one person with a disability we have met one person. Wouldn't it be interesting for churches in different contexts to compare notes and then advocate for the best in each of the 14 governmental ministries to be the baseline across the country and grow from there? How can local small-midsize churches be that voice and work across denominational barriers?
A resource I love is Fr. Matthew's God Loves the Autistic Brain ad it shares some common experiences, some shaping of spiritual practice but directly points to church that this isn't preparation this is now that change and adaptation needs to happen, as many are just not bothering due to being made to feel a burden, or hindrance, or othered, and lived ones of folks with disabilities reaching the same point of disengagement.
Ty… This is really a response in a conversation I had on an FB thread of this episode. But, I do resonate truly resonate with you in the growing tired with “slow” Church movement. As I said in the conversation… how long before we start “ripping the roofs off of the churches”?!
I think listening is absolutely a wonderful posture to begin any relationship. Those with disabilities have for so long been segregated off to an “unseen” space, that so many know little about the world they live in.
This said, like the disciple is also the apostle… We need to be IN this world by listening AND participating. Jesus didn’t just ask, “What is it you want?” And then say he heard and then walk away… or, let’s talk about that some more. He engaged, transformed, and became involved in their lives.
Imagine if the friends of the paralytic just stood around him listening to his desire to see and hear Jesus with everyone else and all they committed to was, “I feel for you, too. It’s to bad the house is not accessible. Or to crowded. Or maybe when he gets to the next house down the road.”
Knowledge leads to wisdom leads to action. I long for a day when the Church doesn’t just listen, but brings those with disabilities into the equitable actions of the community in inclusion. 🙂
Thanknyou for the shared thoughts and glimmers of hope. Must admit I am from a more justice-activist background and after over 25 years am finding having the same convos exhausting as in different churches we use the idea that "church moves sliw", etc.
Something I think needs more exploring in the Canadian context was a reminder from the church retreat story. I wonder was it an accessible van rented? I ask because in my location we tried to find there was maybe 2 available for rent in a city of over a million folks. And truly understanding what accessible looks likemin physical spaces, the reminder when we have met one person with a disability we have met one person. Wouldn't it be interesting for churches in different contexts to compare notes and then advocate for the best in each of the 14 governmental ministries to be the baseline across the country and grow from there? How can local small-midsize churches be that voice and work across denominational barriers?
A resource I love is Fr. Matthew's God Loves the Autistic Brain ad it shares some common experiences, some shaping of spiritual practice but directly points to church that this isn't preparation this is now that change and adaptation needs to happen, as many are just not bothering due to being made to feel a burden, or hindrance, or othered, and lived ones of folks with disabilities reaching the same point of disengagement.
Ty… This is really a response in a conversation I had on an FB thread of this episode. But, I do resonate truly resonate with you in the growing tired with “slow” Church movement. As I said in the conversation… how long before we start “ripping the roofs off of the churches”?!
I think listening is absolutely a wonderful posture to begin any relationship. Those with disabilities have for so long been segregated off to an “unseen” space, that so many know little about the world they live in.
This said, like the disciple is also the apostle… We need to be IN this world by listening AND participating. Jesus didn’t just ask, “What is it you want?” And then say he heard and then walk away… or, let’s talk about that some more. He engaged, transformed, and became involved in their lives.
Imagine if the friends of the paralytic just stood around him listening to his desire to see and hear Jesus with everyone else and all they committed to was, “I feel for you, too. It’s to bad the house is not accessible. Or to crowded. Or maybe when he gets to the next house down the road.”
Knowledge leads to wisdom leads to action. I long for a day when the Church doesn’t just listen, but brings those with disabilities into the equitable actions of the community in inclusion. 🙂