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Latest Newsletter
Winter2003.html - 41 kb
Winter2003.pdf - 160 kb
Who are we?
Christian Disability Partnership is a legacy of Joni's visit and the Paralympic Games.
The group is an interdenominational network of representatives from Christian Churches and disability groups who are committed to facilitate Christian ministry for, by and with people with disabilities.
Through working together, each denomination and Church can be encouraged to greater
commitment to inclusion of people with disabilities. It also recognises that greater
efficiencies can be achieved to develop policies, materials and programs with the limited
resources available.
What do we aim to do?
The partnership has identified a number of key aims which are to:
Increase awareness of disability by individuals through seminars, conferences and other publicity opportunities.
Educate congregations through developing resources for congregations and encouraging theological
examination of disability issues. A network of speakers with disability interest will also be available.
Evaluate effectiveness of the activities and programs by setting achievable goals and meeting regularly.
What are the activities of CDP?
Amongst the many current and proposed activities of CDP are the following:
 Interdenominational Forum:
By the sharing of ideas, policies, guides and other resources (which are all often limited) there can be efficiencies and encouragement. The forum will include denominations, special interest groups and individuals.
Inclusive Congregations Program: (ICP)
This program seeks to increase the inclusion of people with disabilities among Christian congregations. This is achieved by increasing awareness, and through the provision of educational resources.
An Inclusive Congregation under this program acknowledges the need to strive to remove the barriers to full participation of people with disabilities and endorses these four principles.
In our congregation, people, with and without disabilities, are valued as individuals, having been created in the image of God.
All people, with and without disabilities, share a need for God's saving grace through Jesus' death and resurrection.
Our congregation is endeavouring to remove barriers of architecture, communications and attitude that exclude people with disabilities from full and active participation.
People, with and without disabilities, are encouraged in our congregation to practice their faith and use their gifts and talents in worship, service, study and leadership, thus growing our congregation and individuals as part of the body of Christ.
A congregation wishing to join the program should obtain the separate information brochure which sets out the steps to join the program.
Focus groups
In order to seek out the desires and interests of those with disabilities in the congregational setting, use will be made of focus groups and other forums. This information can then be made available to assist congregations.
Creating Christian Community Seminars (CCC)
These seminars have been prepared to inspire, teach and assist congregations to be more inclusive of people with disabilities. The seminars combine a mix of presentation and teaching techniques and are typically presented at a local church venue.
Some of the topics covered include:
- removing the barriers preventing people from participating in the life of the church
- theology and disability
- citizenship – people with disability as a member of the church
A key feature of the seminars is the personal testimony and examples provided by the presenters. A must for every congregation that is seeking to become more inclusive.
Pilot Programs
By working in selected situations with specialist input it is possible to establish methods and materials suitable for broad use by other groups.
Further Resources.
"For and By", Athena's story
"In His Image", A theological rationale for ministry for and by people with a disability by Rev. Darren Box
"Towards a Disability Ministry Strategy", Guidelines for Congregations
Other Books - links - resources
Christian Disability Partnership in Australia
Web - http://www.crossroadsfellowship.org.au/cdp/
Email - mailto:nsw@crossroadsfellowship.org.au
PO Box 120, Thornleigh NSW 2120
Phone 02 9980 8911 - Fax 02 9875 4002
Partner Organisations
Anglicare
Anglican Church of NSW
Baptist Church of NSW
Crossroads Christian Fellowship NSW Inc.
Centre for Developmental Disability Studies
Quest Australia - More Than Gold
UnitingCare NSW ACT
Uniting Church in Australia NSW
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