Theology of Disability – a statement for inclusion and understanding

The Church's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group has a particular focus on disability inclusion. The Disability Inclusion Working Group seeks to cultivate communities of belonging for all.

The following statement on a theology of disability as been prepared by the Disability Inclusion Working Group, with contributions from a member of the Church's Theological Forum.

It is offered as a resource to inspire and challenge the Church to think about inclusion in worship and the life of the Church as a whole.

September 2024

Introduction

The Church of Scotland, rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, is called to be a community that exemplifies God's unconditional love and grace. This calling compels us to reflect upon the diversity of God's creation and recognise the presence, contributions, and dignity of all of the people of God. A theology of disability moves us beyond mere awareness or accommodation and into a deeper understanding of the divine image in all people. This in turn moves us to reflect on what it might mean to become a community of belonging within which everybody has a valued place.

Embracing a theology of disability means listening to and learning from the lived experiences of people with disabilities, recognising that they are not merely recipients of "our" ministry but are integral to the life and health of the Church. The church's commitment to this theology is a testament to its belief in a God who transcends limited human categories and whose Kingdom is marked by radical inclusion and justice.

The Church of Scotland is called to lead by example, demonstrating what it means to be a community where each person is valued not in spite of their disabilities, but as part of the rich tapestry of creation that God has woven together. Our work is informed by a vision of the body of Christ that is incomplete without the full participation of people with disabilities—a vision that aligns with the deepest truths of our faith. As we expand our understanding and implementation of a theology of disability, we are not only engaging in an act of faithfulness to our doctrine and tradition, but we are also bearing witness to the transformative power of the Gospel in a world that often values efficiency and ability over the inherent worth of the individual. The Church of Scotland is committed to this journey, and this statement seeks to articulate the principles that guide us and the actions that will define us as we strive to embody the inclusive love of Jesus for all people.

Biblical Foundations

The Biblical Foundations for a theology of disability in the Church of Scotland draw from a rich tapestry of scripture that collectively points to God's inclusive love, the inherent value of all individuals, and the call for communities to embody this inclusiveness in their shared life. Key themes include:

Creation and Imago Dei

Genesis 1:26-31: In the creation narratives, God creates humanity in God's own image: "So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." This foundational concept of Imago Dei establishes that every person reflects aspects of God's character and is imbued with inherent dignity and worth, including those with disabilities.

Psalms and the Affirmation of Individual Worth

Psalm 139:13-16: The Psalmist celebrates the intimate involvement of God in the formation of each person: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." This passage speaks to the unique value and purpose of every individual crafted by God's hands, acknowledging diversity as part of God's creative intent.

Jesus' friendship with marginalised people

Luke 14:13-14: Jesus explicitly instructs us to invite the marginalised, including the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind to the banquet. Jesus' ministry consistently reached out to those society had pushed to the edges, demonstrating God's kingdom as one where all are welcome and honoured. The means by which we are called to be with one another is through Christ-like friendships. Such friendships reach beyond cultural norms and offer vital ways of valuing and loving as we accompany one another on the journey of discipleship (John 15: 15)

Paul's Vision of the Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:12-26: The Apostle Paul describes the church as a body with many parts. He emphasises that all members of the body are necessary, stating that "those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable." This metaphor powerfully argues for the inclusion and honour of all individuals within the Church, as each contributes to the whole.

The Inclusive Nature of the New Testament Church

Acts 2:17-18: In the early church, the Holy Spirit is poured out on all people, regardless of status or ability, fulfilling the prophecy of Joel. The gifts of the Spirit are diverse and given to each member of the community for the common good, indicating that all have a role and function within the body of Christ.

The Eschatological Hope

Revelation 21:3-4: The ultimate hope of Christian faith is a renewed creation where God dwells with humanity, and "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain." This eschatological vision promises the end of all exclusion and suffering, pointing toward a future where all are included in God's redemptive plan, a future that begins now.

In these Biblical reflections we see a consistent thread woven throughout scripture: God's kingdom is one of radical inclusion, where every person's worth is recognised, and barriers to full participation are removed. The Church of Scotland is called to reflect this kingdom, embodying a practical theology of disability that welcomes, values, and empowers all people as integral members of the faith community.

Theological Reflections

Disability is not merely a medical or psychological condition; it is an experience shaped by social, cultural, spiritual and environmental factors. It is the Church's responsibility to identify and dismantle barriers that prevent full participation in spiritual and community life. Thinking theologically about the issues is crucial for the church's ministry. As we have seen, in the Christian tradition, all individuals are seen as created in the image of God. This is foundational for understanding the inherent dignity and worth of every person, including those with disabilities (Genesis 1:27). The Church recognises that disability is part of the human experience and that every member of the Body of Christ has a unique role to play (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Some key theological areas to consider include the following:

Creation and the Imago Dei

According to Scripture, all humans are made in the image and likeness of God, a belief that gives profound value to every life (Genesis 1:27). This theological assertion grounds a Christian understanding of personhood and establishes the intrinsic worth of each individual.

Sin, Suffering, and Disability

The presence of disability in the world is sometimes theologically considered in the context of the broader problem of sin and suffering. However, it is essential to distinguish between viewing disability as a result of sin and understanding that disability, like any form of human diversity, exists within a world affected by sin. Disability is not the product of sin. All of us are affected by sin (Romans 3:23). Jesus Himself directly refuted the idea that disability was directly caused by individual sin (John 9:1-3).

The Inclusive Kingdom of God

Jesus' message and ministry were inclusive, emphasising the value of all people and specifically inviting those who were marginalised, including people with disabilities, to be full participants in the Kingdom of God (Luke 14:21).

Accessibility, Inclusion and Belonging

In the light of these biblical and theological reflections it is clear that the Church must commit to removing physical, communicational, spiritual and attitudinal barriers that prevent people with disabilities from being full participation in church life, including worship, sacraments, fellowship, and leadership (1 Corinthians 12:22-25). Building genuine community involves recognising and nurturing the gifts that each person brings to the Body of Christ (Romans 12:4-8).

Practical Implications

This inclusive theology calls the Church to action:

Examine and Adapt Structures: Ensure that church buildings and practices are fully accessible. Resources for understanding and improving church accessibility can be found here.

Educational Initiatives: Encourage congregational learning about disability through workshops and resources provided by groups like the Christian charity Prospects Across Scotland, which works towards the inclusion of people with learning disabilities.

Advocacy for Social Justice: Support and partner with advocacy groups that promote justice and equity for people with disabilities. For example, Inclusion Scotland provides a platform for policy-making and rights advocacy.

Empowerment for Leadership: Actively support individuals with disabilities in assuming leadership roles within the Church. This can be facilitated by leadership training programs sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities.

Practice Radical Hospitality: Beyond welcoming people with disabilities, ensure that they are fully integrated into the life of the Church. This can involve liturgical accommodations, inclusive ministry programs, and attentive pastoral care.

Conclusion

The journey towards a fully inclusive Church of Scotland, one that embodies the radical hospitality exemplified by Jesus Christ, is both a challenge and a calling. To embrace the theology of disability outlined here is to commit to a transformative process—a re-examination of our communities, liturgies, and practices through the lens of inclusivity and justice. The Scriptures affirm that each person is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and the diversity of God's creation is meant to be celebrated, not merely tolerated. The Church, as the Body of Christ, must therefore recognise the image of God in all people, and this recognition must be reflected in its actions, its worship, and its mission. The theology of disability reminds us that the Gospel is good news for all, including persons with disabilities. It calls the Church to be a place where the barriers that separate and categorise people are dismantled. It is not enough for the Church to be merely accessible; it must be welcoming, offering meaningful participation and leadership opportunities to all members, recognising that the Holy Spirit imparts gifts to each one for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). In the pursuit of this vision, the Church must actively listen to the voices of people with disabilities, inviting and valuing their contributions and leadership. It must advocate for societal changes that reflect God's justice, where people with disabilities are afforded the same dignity, rights, and opportunities as others. Moreover, the Church is called to be a prophetic voice, challenging cultural assumptions and stereotypes about disability, and proclaiming a message of hope and inclusion. It must also be a place of refuge and strength, offering pastoral care that empowers individuals, supports families, and nurtures a sense of belonging.

Finally, the Church's commitment to the theology of disability is an ongoing journey of growth and understanding. It requires humility, a willingness to learn, and a readiness to be changed by the encounters with all members of the family of God. As we move forward, may our actions and words reflect the inclusive love of Christ, in whom we are all made whole. In this spirit, the Church of Scotland acknowledges its role in leading by example, fostering communities where everyone is recognised as integral to the life of the Church, and where the diversity of God's creation is not only accepted but celebrated as a reflection of the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.