Belonging without Barriers: Creating accessible Christian communities
A guide to understanding those with disabilities or additional needs, and an invitation to all to change our church communities so that they belong
Belonging without Barriers casts a vision of inclusion and full belonging within our churches and other Christian communities for those with additional needs. Brading, Bunyan and Wood begin by exploring the theological basis for this vision, aiming to inspire the reader with God’s love for the weak and marginalised in society. They then move into a practical section outlining a range of different experiences we are likely to encounter, including Autism, Learning Disabilities and physical disabilities. Each chapter contains up-to-date research, personal accounts, interviews and a range of specific, actionable ideas, including changes that any individual within the church could make. This book shares a vision not just for inclusion, but for full integration and belonging for those with additional needs. Throughout, the emphasis is that this is an ‘every believer ministry’ as we all grow in love together as Christ’s disciples wherever he has put us.
| Title | Belonging without Barriers: Creating accessible Christian communities |
| Author | Triona Brading, Lois Bunyan, Claire Wood |
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| Description | Belonging without Barriers casts a vision of inclusion and full belonging within our churches and other Christian communities for those with additional needs. Brading, Bunyan and Wood begin by exploring the theological basis for this vision, aiming to inspire the reader with God’s love for the weak and marginalised in society. They then move into a practical section outlining a range of different experiences we are likely to encounter, including Autism, Learning Disabilities and physical disabilities. Each chapter contains up-to-date research, personal accounts, interviews and a range of specific, actionable ideas, including changes that any individual within the church could make. This book shares a vision not just for inclusion, but for full integration and belonging for those with additional needs. Throughout, the emphasis is that this is an ‘every believer ministry’ as we all grow in love together as Christ’s disciples wherever he has put us.
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Belonging without Barriers casts a vision of inclusion and full belonging within our churches and other Christian communities for those with additional needs. Brading, Bunyan and Wood begin by exploring the theological basis for this vision, aiming to inspire the reader with God’s love for the weak and marginalised in society. They then move into a practical section outlining a range of different experiences we are likely to encounter, including Autism, Learning Disabilities and physical disabilities. Each chapter contains up-to-date research, personal accounts, interviews and a range of specific, actionable ideas, including changes that any individual within the church could make. This book shares a vision not just for inclusion, but for full integration and belonging for those with additional needs. Throughout, the emphasis is that this is an ‘every believer ministry’ as we all grow in love together as Christ’s disciples wherever he has put us.
Triona is autistic, with a special interest in disability and accessibility. This has always motivated her work: initially working with Lois in the disability arts, then running a specialist provision in a school. She is now training in ministry with her local church, with a particular focus on disability ministry. Triona has three god-daughters. In her spare time she loves listening to Taylor Swift.
Lois Bunyan lives in Staines-upon-Thames with her husband and two children. She has worked for over a decade in the disability arts sector; more recently she has taken a role supporting those with learning disabilities to transition into the workplace. She is a passionate disability rights advocate. Lois is also actively involved in lots of ministries alongside her husband, who is a vicar. She has a particular heart for youth and children's ministry.
Claire Wood is a secondary school teacher, teaching Classical languages and civilisation. She lives with her husband and three children in South-West London, where she is also a member of her local church. She spends her 'spare' time volunteering at church, attempting DIY projects in her house, and reading books. Her interest in SEND started as a professional interest, but became personal through supporting her children.