Inclusion vs Exclusion in the Church

Intellectually disabled individuals, just as any other group of people, have a right to be a part of the whole body of Christ without being denied the blessings of a community of their own. In the neuro-typical world, even in churches, there are many special interest, gender, age similar, married/single or other specifically defined groupings.

The key word is exclusion. Saying that individuals with disabilities should not be segregated, but "included" in the whole church. This is in effect "excluding" them from having their own community.

Every effort should be made to make all people: intellectually disabled, street people, homeless, and any other person made in the image of God; feel totally welcome at any activity at or sponsored by a church. At the same, the same level of support and resource available to any other group that meets under the auspices of the church should be made available to a gathering of disabled and friends.

I have heard said that a women’s, men’s, or a youth group is not the same as a separate meeting for disabled individuals. Maybe its not, but if you regard individuals with disability as members of a social /multicultural group, you will.