We the 32 theologically trained persons with disabilities, ordained ministers with disabilities, representatives of the organisations which are ministering the persons with disabilities, disability advocates, theologians, theological educators and church leaders representing 19 institutions such as Member Churches, All India Christian Organisations, Regional Councils and Theological Institutions in India including 9 women participated in this Roundtable.
This roundtable was jointly organized by the National Council of Churches in India’s Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation (CJPC) and World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network (EDAN) from 8th to 10th February 2011 at Church Women’s Centre of UELCI, Chennai.
We the participants dealt with and discussed the issues related to disabilities from various perspectives and resolved the following:
We affirm that …
• The Persons with disability (both physically and mentally challenged) are created in the Image of God, and therefore full and active members of the church.
• The persons with disabilities are also full citizens of the state and therefore rightfully claim all basic rights of a citizen. Above all, we demand that those with physical disability need preferential and prioritized attention in our state policies, action plans, theological thinking and church activities.
• The church is the church OF all and the church FOR all. We reaffirm that “A church without the physically disabled is a disabled church”, and therefore churches need be aware and concerned about the facts of disability. This is because, the church as a body of Christ will be disabled without the presence and agency of the disabled.
We urge that …
• The theological fraternities move from notions of the disabled as objects to the disabled as agencies of God’s image, voice and activity in this world. In the light of disability discourse, our traditional and archaic theological notions need to be reinterpreted. We need to thoroughly relook the sources of theology like experience, revelation, scripture, culture, tradition and reason. There should be proactive attention to the already marginalized groups with disability like women and children. Therefore, Disability theology is a just- theology OR justice- based faith expressions.
• Our faith discourses, sermons and studies be focused on God’s loving power and goodness especially when many ministries over-propagate the theology of miracles and instant healings. We suggest shift in getting critically engaged the characteristics of God like ‘almighty’, ‘powerful’, ‘omniscient’ and emphasize Kenosis and vulnerable and disabled God as seen in Jesus.
• Missio-Dei or the Mission of God be an imperative and therefore, the mission along with and for the disabled in a participatory mission. This mission in our specific context as in India is imperatively interfaith. Therefore our missions along with the disabled should move beyond specific faith and confessional traditions. We are expected to exhibit sensitivity to plurality of resource for care giving, networking and advocating. This would lead to a meaningful collaboration of caregivers.
• More theological literature both as reference material and as sermon aids be developed for the pastors and church workers. The conscientization on disability preferably be included in Sunday school curriculum and christian education to provide a strong basis for an inclusive church.
We Propose that...
• The advocates and networks with like-minded individuals and organisations reach out to conscientize the church and society at large. People with special needs are to be introduced because the rights of the persons are same but needs are different.
• Church encourages ordained ministry for those with disability as the history of the church and church leadership has been inclusive of those with disability.
• The Churches and other Advocates initiate net-work with the states and other stakeholders in making the Church and Society as disable-friendly.
• The ecumenical and church-based Conferences, consultations, seminars and studies on disability should move beyond ‘event’ mode and be converted into an effective movement.
This roundtable was jointly organized by the National Council of Churches in India’s Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation (CJPC) and World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network (EDAN) from 8th to 10th February 2011 at Church Women’s Centre of UELCI, Chennai.
We the participants dealt with and discussed the issues related to disabilities from various perspectives and resolved the following:
We affirm that …
• The Persons with disability (both physically and mentally challenged) are created in the Image of God, and therefore full and active members of the church.
• The persons with disabilities are also full citizens of the state and therefore rightfully claim all basic rights of a citizen. Above all, we demand that those with physical disability need preferential and prioritized attention in our state policies, action plans, theological thinking and church activities.
• The church is the church OF all and the church FOR all. We reaffirm that “A church without the physically disabled is a disabled church”, and therefore churches need be aware and concerned about the facts of disability. This is because, the church as a body of Christ will be disabled without the presence and agency of the disabled.
We urge that …
• The theological fraternities move from notions of the disabled as objects to the disabled as agencies of God’s image, voice and activity in this world. In the light of disability discourse, our traditional and archaic theological notions need to be reinterpreted. We need to thoroughly relook the sources of theology like experience, revelation, scripture, culture, tradition and reason. There should be proactive attention to the already marginalized groups with disability like women and children. Therefore, Disability theology is a just- theology OR justice- based faith expressions.
• Our faith discourses, sermons and studies be focused on God’s loving power and goodness especially when many ministries over-propagate the theology of miracles and instant healings. We suggest shift in getting critically engaged the characteristics of God like ‘almighty’, ‘powerful’, ‘omniscient’ and emphasize Kenosis and vulnerable and disabled God as seen in Jesus.
• Missio-Dei or the Mission of God be an imperative and therefore, the mission along with and for the disabled in a participatory mission. This mission in our specific context as in India is imperatively interfaith. Therefore our missions along with the disabled should move beyond specific faith and confessional traditions. We are expected to exhibit sensitivity to plurality of resource for care giving, networking and advocating. This would lead to a meaningful collaboration of caregivers.
• More theological literature both as reference material and as sermon aids be developed for the pastors and church workers. The conscientization on disability preferably be included in Sunday school curriculum and christian education to provide a strong basis for an inclusive church.
We Propose that...
• The advocates and networks with like-minded individuals and organisations reach out to conscientize the church and society at large. People with special needs are to be introduced because the rights of the persons are same but needs are different.
• Church encourages ordained ministry for those with disability as the history of the church and church leadership has been inclusive of those with disability.
• The Churches and other Advocates initiate net-work with the states and other stakeholders in making the Church and Society as disable-friendly.
• The ecumenical and church-based Conferences, consultations, seminars and studies on disability should move beyond ‘event’ mode and be converted into an effective movement.
Adopted by:
The Participants,
Theological Roundtable on Disability.
08-10 Feb 2011, CWC, Chennai.
