The Church in Wales is examining how it can be more accessible and inclusive for people with lived experience of disability.
A consultation examining the breadth of church life is seeking input from disabled people, those with long-term physical health and mental health conditions, as well as others with lived experience including parents, carers and those with professional experience.
Online surveys and workshops will cover “provision of information, policy, resources for local churches, worship and liturgy, accessibility improvements and funding, and how the church welcomes disabled people”, according to a statement from the Church.
A delivery group will oversee the project. Its membership has a disabled majority and reflects a range of experience, care responsibilities, professional and ministry background, and represents all six dioceses.
The Church in Wales’ governing body voted in April to create the body, which will advise on increasing welcome to and engagement of disabled people in the life of the Church.
Rev James Lawson, chair of the delivery group, said: “A genuinely welcoming Church is one in which disabled people are able not simply to enter the building, but to participate fully in its worship, ministry, and community life. This consultation is about listening. We want to hear honestly about what churches are doing well, where people continue to encounter barriers, and what needs to change.
“Most importantly, we want the experiences and ideas of disabled and neurodivergent people themselves to shape the recommendations we make. We would encourage anyone with experience, whether positive or negative, to share.”
The consultation is not limited to those who regularly attend Church in Wales services. It runs until the end of November.