Receiving children with disabilities into churches in South Africa

Abstract

The meaningful integration of children with disabilities (CWD) into churches in South Africa is a pressing issue. This article summarises insights from a Practical Theology Action Research study focused on understanding the social and religious barriers faced here by CWD and their families. The perspectives of three stakeholder groups were sought to consider how churches can become communities of belonging and justice for CWD.
Empirical data collection included focus group discussions with families who care for CWD, disability activists and pastors of local churches. The data analysis culminated in a consultative workshop with participants from all three stakeholder groups as a disability awareness and solutions training model for pastors. There needs to be an ongoing dialogue between pastors, families who care for CWD and disability activists to mobilise church movements that will bring about transformative ecclesial practices, receiving CWD as gifts and signs of God’s Kingdom.