I know that when I started this year, I had declared my intention to write a series on inclusive language during the liturgy. Unfortunately, my best intentions were sidetracked by reality so I am expanding the scope a tad. Rather that focusing on the language we use, I want to expand the scope and look at making the liturgy more inclusive through different aspects. I have looked a bit at language, so I want to spend right now thinking about the worship space.
If you look at the population of CTS, you will note that there are quite a few members who are elderly, some who are hard of hearing, one who is blind, and others who have various physical ailments that make it hard for them to get around. Part of being inclusive is making sure that we do what we can to make their moving around the church or participating in the liturgy easier. Now, I want to stress that I am not saying we don't do things to help, but I do ask some questions that I would like everyone to reflect on and consider.
Before I begin, I am going to apologize if this comes off as condescending or something like that. Please be assured that is not my intention. It is my strong belief that those of us who have any sort of privilege examine those privileges and see if there is a way to remove barriers or issues that exist so that everyone knows that they are welcomed and that we will do what we can to make sure that they can participate as fully as they can. What I am saying below are my own suggestions as someone who does not have some of these issues. Ultimately, we do need to listen to people who have these issues and see what help (if any!) they need or want.
[1] For someone who is blind, do we make sure that they know if things are moved around? I have been told that people who are blind (or visually impaired) depend on learning the physical landscape to make sure they don't trip over something because they cannot see. When we move chairs or tables around, we can make it that much harder for them and it throws up a barrier for them. So maybe we can tell them if something has changed or warn them in advance if possible. What can you do to help out here?
[2] For someone who is deaf or hard of hearing, do we make sure they have seating closer to the front of the sanctuary so that they can have an easier time hearing or to make lip reading easier? Those of us who are younger or do not have hearing issues can sit a little further away to make sure there is room up front. Also, would we want to consider some sort of electronic distribution of the sermon in Word or PDF format so that it can be read at a later date?
[3] For someone who has a physical ailment that makes it hard for them to get around, do we make sure that there is ample space if they have a device that helps them get around? Are we patient with them if they are slower than we are? Do we help them get up and sit down if they need it? Do we make other accommodations to be sure that they can get what help they need/want while they are in church? Maybe you could help them walk to the front of the church if needed. Maybe you could take their offering up if they desire that assistance.
I don't know if my thoughts are helpful (although I certainly hope they are!), but I do believe that in order to have a church which is fully welcoming to all people, we need to consider these things. Not just as a congregation, but as individuals. Do you, personally, do things to make it easier for all people to have access to the worship space so that they can participate fully? Or do you do something that throws up a barrier to other people? I just ask that you consider this.
God Bless.
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