DISABILITY AND FULL PARTICIPATION

Prescence to Participation - The Spirit is Not Disabled

Major Shelley Kerr (Divisional Headquarters, Bermuda) and Major Christine Johnston (Broadview Village) have both been involved in ministry with people with disabilities for a few years. They have both come to recognize that people with disability, who are often seen as those with needs actually have much to offer our faith communities. Throughout the past few years Shelley and Christine both have developed a growing passion to see all people, regardless of their ability, fully engaged in our Corps and other ministry units. In Christine's own life experience, she has discovered that her disabilities may cause some limitations and challenges but they are also a gift of God that allow her to minister effectively and often from a unique standpoint.

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All people are made in the image of God and are of equal intrinsic value. Thus, The Salvation Army celebrates difference and seeks to treat all people with dignity and respect. Many people around the world experience discrimination due to disabilities. The reality ranges from stigma or negative attitudes to deeply engrained and systemic exclusion. The Salvation Army's response is to go beyond minimum national legal requirements and to make it possible for persons with disabilities to be fully included and to flourish. We know less of who God is and how God appears in the world when people with disabilities are excluded. Inclusion is beneficial for everyone. Diversity within our communities and congregations strengthens us and shapes our mission and ministry. The aim of all Salvationist practice is to ensure that we are a church that makes the embodied gospel accessible for all.