Common Obstacles to Belonging
“A history of exclusion or inhospitable attitudes can have a wounding effect on people with developmental disabilities and their families.”[1]Erik Carter A few weeks ago I interviewed a 24-year old young woman, who we will call Julie. She has lived with...
Building Inclusion into the Mission of the Church
“Fully welcoming people with disabilities is fundamental to following Jesus.”[1]Bethany McKinney Fox, pastor of Beloved Everybody Church When you think of sharing the gospel and making disciples of all, do you think of people with disabilities? The effects...
Who are the Ones the World Leaves Behind?
The poem you read last week invites you to ponder the “ones the world leaves behind.” It is true that many people could be called “the stranger” until they are brought into community. Many are also marginalized and excluded for being part of...
The Body Needs More
Remember the call—Go,make disciplesof all. Go means gather,see who existsbeyond the walloutside:the stranger,the marginalized,stigmatized,ones the worldleaves behind. Please don’t waitfor us to arrive.We might be late;We may be stuck,feeling forlornor...