Anabaptist Disabilities Network

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Christian researchers are examining how autism and neurodivergence could reshape church services.

“We sing about a gospel that is available for all people, of all shapes, forms, and fashions. If our worship doesn’t include all people, that calls into question whether we believe the things we profess about God,” said a parent of a child with autism.

From the CT archive: https://chrst.today/4tuQXZs

The resource "Worship for the Whole Body" is now available in Spanish thanks to a grant from the Schowalter Foundation.

Check it out here:
https://www.anabaptistdisabilitiesnetwork.org/resources/worship-for-the-whole-body/

The latest issue of Connections explores the relationship of children and nature. The book Naturally Inclusive by Ruth Wilson offers great resources for parents and educators to help children of all abilities connect to the natural world.

Read the book review here: https://www.anabaptistdisabilitiesnetwork.org/naturally-inclusive/

The summer Connections newsletter is out! The theme of the issue is Children in Nature and in this article, Benjamin Conner explores a theology of wonder.

Witnesses in a Wonder-full World
by Benjamin T. Conner

The first step to being a witness in this wonder-full world is to nurture our sense of wonder. Alongside children, we can push against our tendencies toward possession, mastery, and control of the world (and of Christian doctrine) and instead experience the world as co-wonderers who encounter, engage, and embrace the world. This is, in part, why Emily Hunter McGowin insists in God and Wonder, “Theology needs to be challenged by the vision, perspective, and experience of children” (p. 41). Children, all children, are recipients of grace with a vocation to join in God’s ongoing redemptive work in the world as part of a community of faith and according to their gifts and interests. In fact, it could be argued that within the community of faith, wonder is the vocation or special calling of children.
Read more here: https://www.anabaptistdisabilitiesnetwork.org/witnesses-in-a-wonder-full-world/

The Summer issue of Connections is out! This issue centers on the theme of children in nature, and in this article we hear about the Wings of Hope camp at Laurelville Retreat Center in Pennsylvania.

"At Laurelville Retreat Center in Mt. Pleasant Pennsylvania, the spirit of summer camp extends beyond the season. One beautiful expression of that spirit is Wings of Hope, an afterschool program designed especially for children and teens with disabilities, ages 5–18. Rooted in joy, belonging, and creativity, Wings of Hope creates a space where every participant is welcomed, celebrated, and invited to simply be a kid. Wings of Hope brings the heart of camp into each gathering.

Whether it’s laughter echoing through the gym during a game, the rhythm of music filling the room, or the quiet focus of a craft project, the goal remains the same: to provide meaningful experiences where young people can build friendships, try new things, and make lasting memories."

Read more here: https://www.anabaptistdisabilitiesnetwork.org/wings-of-hope-camp/

Dr. Lamar Hardwick, "The Autism Pastor," has passed into the next life. We are grateful for the legacy of his good work and faithful witness. Please continue to pray for his family. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17TyZ5pKpg/

Many of you will remember Dr. Lamar Hardwick's equipping session and dinner event at the 2025 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference -- and his book, How Ableism Fuels Racism: Dismantling the Hierarchy of Bodies in the Church. We are grateful for the gift of his writing and public speaking on the intersection of racism and ableism.

Dr. Hardwick has been public on social media about his journey with colon cancer. His wife, Isabella, posted the news today that he has entered hospice care, requesting prayer for him and for their family. We hope that you will join us in praying for them all to know God's peace and comfort in this time.

“The message from church and culture alike to many people with disabilities has been that their lives are, at best, an exception to God’s design and, at worst, a problem to be resolved. Their differences are often received as intrusions into an otherwise idealized human norm,” wrote John Swinton.⁠
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“Such a vision turns the hospitable logic of creation on its head. It suggests that belonging is conditional, and therefore one must change in order to be welcomed. In this way, communal belonging that was meant to reflect God’s goodness becomes a place of exclusion. ⁠
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The church must learn to hear and resist this distortion. If God’s creation is good, then every life within it, regardless of capacity, cognition, or conformity, is already gifted with divine affirmation.” ⁠

From the CT archive: https://chrst.today/4lPcCIM

We encourage you to check out this article by Erik Carter, entitled: "Disabilities & the Church: What Leaders Should Know."

"Pastors virtually never set out to exclude people with disabilities from their congregations. And yet few feel well-prepared to minister amid the array of disability experiences in their community. Seminaries almost never include disability-related coursework, professional development is difficult to find, and the many demands of church life frustrate even well-intended attempts at purposeful ministry. As a result, many leaders feel unsure and hesitant rather than empowered and equipped..."

Read more at:

Disabilities & the Church: What Leaders Should Know - The Living Church How prepared are clergy and leaders to minister amid the array of disability experiences in their communities? This essay begins a series.