This newsletter is part of progressing this work. It will share updates on what is happening, provide information related to the inclusion of disabled people, theological reflection and so much more. It is also an invitation to you to align yourselves with this priority and to be involved with our work. Please get in touch with me if you want to know more.
The Rt Revd Richard Atkinson
Recently I spoke at a local Mothers’ Union cluster. I took ‘disability’ as my topic. It was a lively session with those present contributing many ideas and thoughts on the challenges and opportunities of being a church that includes all. For many, the experience of disability was personal – especially as advancing age brought problems of mobility, hearing, sight and other conditions. One way or another, most of us will experience disability in our lives. One person said, ‘Thank you, we’ve never had a talk on this before. It was so helpful’. Hopefully this newsletter will contribute to a much wider conversation and to a changing church that is increasingly accessible to, and inclusive of, all.
It wasn’t the greatest of starts! Having accepted the invitation to chair CMDDP (Committee for Ministry of and among Deaf and Disabled People) it wasn’t long before Covid ended the opportunity to meet in person. Not long afterwards Roy McCloughry retired from his three day a week role as disability advisor for the national church and wasn’t replaced. Yet, as so often happens, out of challenge has come opportunity, especially in relation to disability work.
A revitalised Disability Advisors Network, a plethora of people bringing their experience of lived disability to a range of working groups, alongside those with professional experience, a commitment to see change to practice and culture, and so much more has emerged. In particular, the unanimously supported General Synod Motion indicated a desire to see a greater inclusion, participation and belonging of disabled people within the church. An initial award of funding from the Archbishops’ Council is enabling a Leadership Programme for Clergy and Laity, and a Conference for the disability advisors to take place.
There is much to do if we are truly to be a church that not only welcomes all, but enables everyone to be included, to participate and to belong. The 2001 Census reported that 17.7% of the population of England indicated that they were disabled (other surveys suggest a higher figure), virtually equivalent to the non-white population. Disability can no-longer be the Cinderella of the inclusion agenda.
Rt Revd Richard Atkinson
Chair CMDDP & The Disability Task Group.
(CMDDP =Committee for Ministry of and among Deaf and Disabled People)
Disability Matters 
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