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Being inclusive in ministry is not a program. It is not about creating a special class or a separate ministry or even identifying βthe disabledβ as an object of ministry. It may be summarized as βMINISTRY BY and with people with disabilities,β in contrast to MINISTRY FOR people with disabilities. It is opening the doors of the Church to include those with disabilities to fully participate fully in the life of the Body of Christ including Preaching, administration, Leadership etc. This means celebrating their abilities. As Paul expresses in 1 Corinthians 12:22 (NLT), the βparts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.β
In his remarks, EFZ Executive Director Bishop Andrew Mwenda said People with disabilities need God just as much as anyone else. βThe church needs to actively reach out to and be inclusive of people with disabilities by being accessible in attitude, accessible in buildings and accessible with correct Biblical and Christ centered teachingβ he said.
Meanwhile Hope walks Zambia Program Manager Loice Chipere, said the lack deliberate action makes disability not just physical, but social. βCommunity participation and particularly Church participation breaks barriers and creates links for people with disabilityβ she said.
The World Health organization (WHO) estimates that around 15 per cent of the worldβs population, or estimated 1 billion people, live with disabilities. They are the worldβs largest minority.
The aim of the training was aimed at, among other things, Transform Perceptions on disability and particularly clubfeet, reduce unconscious bias and misinformation through an informative and interactive training session.
EFZ/13122023
#inclusionmatters
#AccessibleWorld
#CelebrateAbilities
