Earth Angels

Real Living with Multiple Sclerosis, Jul/Aug 2004 by Zielinski, Karen

Religious involvement and disability

People who have disabilities want to be a part of society like those who don't have disabilities. One aspect of belonging to a society includes some volunteering, especially in our places of worship. There's usually plenty to do in churches, synagogues, or places of worship. A great way to find out what needs to be done is to simply ask at your church or place of worship.

Lorraine Thal has another invitation for some who have a disability. Go to the NOD Web site: http://www.nod.org/religion. Their motto: "It's ability, not disability, that counts."

There's a recent feature in the Community Involvement: Religious Participation section. It's the Interfaith Directory of Religious Leaders with Disabilities. "We now list 88 people of various faiths with many types of disabilities," said Lorraine. "They are clergy, seminary faculty, religious educators, seminarians and a few Sisters. If you know of any religious leaders with disabilities, please send us their names and addresses and we will then send them a letter with the details." I added my name to the list; Lorraine encourages others to do so, too.

Today, some people with disabilities-those who use wheelchairs or walkers, or who have vision or hearing problems-hesitate to attend worship services or participate in church activities because facilities are not accessible to them or because other people are uncomfortable in their presence. Often, making churches accessible is very expensive and we hear, "We can't afford it for so few people." But I say you can't afford not to; everyone benefits from a railing or elevator since it offers safety and security for all present.

Unfortunately, unless disability touches us-a parent who has a stroke or heart surgery, a child who has been hit by a car-the message might not be foremost in our minds. But when a disability comes into our lives, then our sensitivity is heightened about making places easy and safe to move around in. It's like Middle East oil transactions. We don't pay much attention to them-unless gas goes to $2.00 a gallon. Then it hits home!

Respect and encouragement

Some churches, synagogues, and places of worship have issued statements about members with disabilities. Here are four that I feel are wonderful:

1. "...the person with a disability...is a fully human subject with the corresponding innate, sacred, and inviolable right."

2. "Since the person having disabilities is a person with full rights, he or she must be helped to take their full place in society in all aspects and at all levels as far as is compatible with his or her capabilities."

3. "The quality of a society and a civilization is measured by the respect shown to the weakest of its members."

4. "...the person with a disability must be urged not to be content with being only the subject of rights, accustomed to receiving care and solidarity from others with a merely passive attitude. He or she is not only a receiver. He or she must help to be a giver to the full extent of his capabilities."