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'May I come in?' is an odd question to be asked of churches but it is of very real concern to people with disability who wish to attend church.
The question is addressed directly in a new video to be launched tomorrow, (Thursday 5 October, McCracken Memorial Church, 161 Malone Road, Belfast at 10.30am) by Presbyterian Moderator Dr Trevor Morrow which highlights how churches can better facilitate this important section of the community.
'Under new legislation, churches and other public buildings have to make adequate provision for disabled people,' says Norman Chambers, Director of Social Services for the Presbyterian Church who comissioned the video. 'However, we consider it important that churches move beyond just what they have to do and make every effort in their programmes to make people with disability part of their church community showing practical Christian love and compassion both to them and their families.'
Made by award winning production company Callister Communications, the video looks at real life situations where disability has affected individuals and families. It highlights some of their difficulties and shows practical examples of how churches can help provide a welcoming environment.
Avril Crowe from Whitehead was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis ten years ago and consequently has had to leave work and spends much of her time in a wheel chair.. 'My life has slowed down so much,' she explains, 'but my spiritual life has strengthened and I'm glad I can still go to church. You can feel isolated in a wheel chair and the last thing you want is to be 'parked' and forgotten about. Physically the congregation has helped by providing a ramp but more important has been the continual loving concern and care shown to me by everyone.'
It was a shock when Bob and Janet Hamilton learned that their son Gareth has Down's Syndrome. They have had to suffer much insensitivity and lack of understanding but in taking their baptismal vows they felt that their church, Knock Presbyterian, had much to offer Gareth and so that has proved. 'The minister and elders have been most supportive and in the youth organisations and Sunday School Gareth's contribution has been valued as much as that of the other children,' explained Janet. 'Gareth's love has touched me and the other children in Sunday School,' added Knock youth leader Francis Gibson. "He is a very important member of our group and we all learn a lot from him.'
The Presbyterian Church has always had a long association with people with disability and particularly the deaf community. The Kinghan Church on Belfast's Botanic Avenue was built specially by the Presbyterian Church with special facilities for people with hearing disability and its minister Dr George Grindle has been particularly involved in this area. The Presbyterian Church also has plans for building sheltered accommodation for people with learning disability.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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