Christian faith and disabilities

The Christian response to persons with disabilities is shown here on sub-pages listed according to major denominational groupings. 

Christianity began with the belief among a group of Jewish disciples of Jesus of Nazareth that he had been raised from the dead and thus proclaimed by God to be the long-awaited Messiah (Christ).  Quickly spreading to Gentiles (non-Jews) throughout the Roman Empire, the Catholic Church had its headquarters in Rome.  With the fracturing of the Empire came also the Orthodox churches which did not recognize the Bishop of Rome as the head of the church. 

In the 16th century, a Reformation movement resulted in national churches on the European continent based on the leadership and theology of Martin Luther (Lutheran) and John Calvin (Reformed). Another major wing of the Reformation resulted from a mixture of Catholic and Reformed theology in the Church of England (Anglican or Episcopal). In the 18th century, a revival movement in the Church of England resulted in the Methodist churches.

A more radical wing of the 16th century, labeled "Anabaptist," resulted in Mennonite and related groups. Anabaptism represented a decisive break from the state churches of Christendom and thus paved the way for a whole host of other groups labeled "free" churches (as opposed to state churches).  Among these groups are Baptists, Brethren, Churches of Christ, Pentecostals, Disciples of Christ, and others.  More recent indigenous churches, particularly on the African continent could be considered among the Free Churches as well.

World Council of Churches (WCC)
The Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network (EDAN) is a decentralized ministry which supports the work of individuals, churches and church organizations concerned with issues affecting disabled people globally.

L'Arche International
L'Arche establishes communities and community living settings around the world which build relationships between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Originally from a Roman Catholic tradition, faith and spirituality are essential elements in these communities. See also the related Faith and Light International.

National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States
The Education and Leadership Ministries of NCC sponsors a Committee on Disabilities consisting of denominational leaders of disabilities ministries along with consultants who meet annually to share and develop resources for disabilities advocacy. 

Friendship Ministries
Friendship Ministries is an international, inter-denominational ministry to help equip churches to include people with intellectual disabilities in the life of the church.  They publish an extensive collection of printed resources.

Joni and Friends International Disability Center
Joni and Friends sponsors an extensive set of programs to advance their mission "to communicate the Gospel and equip Christ-honoring Churches worldwide to evangelize and disciple people affected by disabilities."

CLC Network
Formerly the Christian Learning Center, CLC Network provides education and support services to faith-based and public charter schools, home educators, and churches nationwide to ensure that those who have disabilities, unique learning challenges, or exceptional academic gifts become vital participants who are challenged to their fullest capabilities. 

The Center for the Study of Religion and Disability
Dr. Jeff McNair, Professor of Special Education at California Baptist University has created this site which features his extensive list of articles. The Center is designed to be a resouce to persons working with individuals with disabilities within Christian environments.

Interdenominational Mental Health Ministries

Pathways to Promise: Ministry and Mental Illness 
An interfaith technical assistance and resource center which offers liturgical and educational materials, program models, and networking information to promote a caring ministry with people with mental illness and their families.

Mental Health Ministries
An interdenominational ministry dedicated to educating church leaders to decrease the stigma associated with mental illnesses in faith communities. Resources for faith communities to assist inclusion and support of persons with mental illnesses and their families into the life of the community.  Mental Illness and Families of Faith: How Congregations Can Respond, a free 54-page resource/study guide for clergy and communities of faith.

FaithNet NAMI is a partnership of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the Faithnet grassroots network.  FaithNet NAMI recognizes the importance of spirituality in the recovery process. Interfaith Network of Boulder County is a local FaithNet affiliate offering additional resources.