CAPTION: Earlier this year saw the first Inclusion Champion being appointed in Exeter.
Church For All: New Inclusion Champions to make a difference in Devon churches
Today, Tuesday 3 December, is the International Day of People with Disabilities, which aims to promote a greater understanding of disability issues and to give support to the dignity, rights and wellbeing of people with disabilities.
It also seeks to increase awareness of the benefit we all get when everyone in society is able to play a full part.
In Exeter Diocese, we are keen to see all people playing a full part in the lives of our churches and worshipping communities.
We are pleased to announce a new initiative for 2025, when we will launch the role of Inclusion Champions across the diocese.
A launch event will be held on 12 February 2025, at St Jude’s Church, Beaumont Road, Plymouth. There will be more details on this to follow.
An Inclusion Champion is someone who is welcoming, relational and passionate about seeing everyone in their church involved in the community, and offering their gifts and talents in service of God and others. A key part of what Inclusion Champions will do will be to work with their church together with those with disabilities and additional needs, to enable and empower them to take part fully in all aspects church life.
Earlier this year the first Inclusion Champion, Cath Maggs, was appointed at Cranbrook Church in Exeter.
Claire Reynolds, Diocesan Advisor for Disabilities and Additional Needs, says, “I’m very excited about this new initiative and would love to see Inclusion Champions being appointed across the county. I see this as a key way in which we welcome and involve people with disabilities, additional needs and neurodivergence, and where we all grow as disciples of Christ together.
If you’d like to be involved on 12 February 2025 or would like more information, please email Claire.
