ELCA Addresses Inclusive Ministry

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod have developed a coalition to build ministry with individuals who have developmental disabilities. Members of the Lutheran Developmental Disabilities Coalition met here May 3-4 to develop ways in which Lutheran congregations can "catch the vision for inclusive ministry."
"Persons with developmental disabilities will rebuild our church, and we must include all individuals if we are ever going to soar again as a church," said Don Boden, director for the Lutheran Disability Ministries. LDM is a ministry of Lutheran Child and Family Services, Indianapolis.
"Before we can begin a ministry that will enable persons with disabilities to participate fully in the life of the church, we need to mainstream ourselves into their world before inviting them into ours. That begins by coming together as friends in Christ," said Boden.
The ELCA emphasizes ministry "with" persons with developmental conditions, not "to" or "for." "The goal is not to do things `for' people with disabilities, but to have everyone join in the work of the church," said Dennis Busse, ELCA director for disability ministries. The basic difference in this perception and use of language is that a person with a developmental disability is first recognized as a person and the disability is a condition or fact of life for that individual. The emphasis is placed on the individual as a person of worth to be included as a participant and contributor, as well as a receiver, in all aspects of the church and society, said Busse.
"Ministry in the name of Jesus Christ is always reciprocal," said the Rev. Sherman G. Hicks, First Trinity Lutheran Church, Washington, D.C. "Everyone has something to give and something to receive. When one is in the receiving and giving posture he or she can know wholeness," he said.
"First Trinity Lutheran Church is constantly seeking ways to support and become more involved in ministry with persons with disabilities," said Hicks. "When I administer communion, I somehow know that individuals with developmental conditions understand what is taking place. God can work wonders beyond what I know, and the Spirit is working within each individual. God's grace is understood and accepted in a pure and simple way, and that is enough for all individuals."
"Many church buildings do not provide physically-accessible structures such as ramps, sound systems or large print materials for persons with disabilities," said Busse. "Even in those church buildings that provide accessibility, members of the congregation reflect the same misconceptions about persons with disabilities as the general culture and do not invite persons with disabilities to worship the same way others would be invited," he said.
Commitments of the Lutheran Developmental Disabilities Coalition include: to assist congregations, seminaries and educational institutions in their efforts to be fully accessible; to educate pastors in including the participation of persons with developmental disabilities within their churches; and to make all Lutherans aware of resources available.
"Christ has laid the vision for this church before us. It is to be an inclusive ministry -- a place where all people are invited, are welcomed and give praise to God," said Hicks.
"The coalition is in the process of planning a national conference for clergy, other church professionals and volunteers in congregations who are in settings providing ministry with individuals who have developmental disabilities," reported Busse. "The conference will take place in 1998."

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html