Ableism and the Church
The Church is called to be a sign of God’s reconciling love, a community where every person is welcomed, valued, and empowered to participate fully in the life of Christ (Galatians 3:28). Yet we recognize that churches, like all human communities, have sometimes reflected the sin of ableism—the attitudes, practices, and structures that devalue disabled people or create barriers to their full belonging.
Ableism can appear in many forms: physical and communication barriers, assumptions about who can lead or serve, theological messages that portray disability as a problem to be fixed, and practices that exclude disabled people from worship, fellowship, decision-making, and ministry. Disablism is the over discrimination and violence towards people with disabilities. While related to ableism, disablism specifically involves intentional hostility, whereas ableism often involves individual, systemic and/or unconscious bias. These barriers and harm do not reflect the fullness of God’s vision for the Church.
We affirm that disabled people are created in the image of God, bear sacred worth, and are essential members of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Disabled people are not objects of charity or ministry; they are leaders, disciples, teachers, ministers, and witnesses to God’s grace. The Church is diminished when the gifts and experiences of disabled people are overlooked or excluded (Luke 14:15-24).
In the Wesleyan tradition, we understand ableism leads to broken relationships and unjust systems that prevent people from growing in their faith and leadership potential. Therefore, confronting ableism requires repentance, transformation, and a commitment to social holiness. God’s grace calls us to examine our practices, remove barriers, share power, and build communities of genuine belonging.
We believe accessibility is an expression of Christian love and justice. Creating welcoming and accessible churches is not an act of accommodation alone—it is part of becoming the Beloved Community God calls us to be.
As a Disability Caucus, we commit ourselves to naming ableism, challenging exclusion, and working toward a Church where disabled people are fully included in worship, leadership, fellowship, and mission. Together, we seek a community where every person’s gifts are honored and where all people can flourish as beloved children of God. As a helpful resource AMD offers a Repentance of Ableism Liturgy.
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Clergy with Disabilities Experiencing Ableism
Clergy with disabilities are called, gifted, and equipped by God to lead the Church, yet many continue to encounter ableism throughout their ministry. Ableism is discrimination, prejudice, or bias that assumes people without disabilities are inherently more capable, desirable, or suited for leadership than people with disabilities. It may be intentional or unconscious, but its impact can significantly affect a clergy person’s vocation, well-being, and opportunities for ministry.
Ableism can appear at every stage of ministry—from discernment and candidacy to appointment-making, leadership development, and retirement. Clergy with disabilities may face assumptions about their competence, stamina, or ability to lead a congregation. They may be overlooked for appointments or leadership roles, discouraged from pursuing ministry, or expected to prove themselves in ways that non-disabled clergy are not. Others may encounter inaccessible buildings, technology, meeting practices, or conference events that limit their full participation.
For many clergy, the greatest barriers are not their disabilities but the attitudes and structures surrounding them. Comments such as “Are you sure you can handle ministry?” or reluctance to provide reasonable accommodations communicate that disability is viewed as a weakness rather than as one aspect of the diverse experiences that enrich the Church. Invisible disabilities—including chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, neurodivergence, and episodic disabilities—can bring additional challenges when individuals feel pressure to hide their condition out of fear of stigma or discrimination.
Ableism also has spiritual consequences. Clergy may experience isolation, self-doubt, burnout, or a diminished sense of belonging. They may question whether they are fully accepted by the Church despite a clear call from God. These experiences can undermine confidence and discourage gifted leaders from remaining in ministry.
The Church is called to respond differently. Following the example of Jesus, congregations and church leaders are invited to recognize the gifts, wisdom, resilience, and lived experiences of clergy with disabilities. This includes removing physical, communication, technological, and attitudinal barriers; providing reasonable accommodations; addressing discriminatory practices; and creating pathways for leadership, mentorship, and advancement.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that “the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable” (1 Corinthians 12:22). Disability is not a barrier to God’s call but one expression of the rich diversity of the Body of Christ. When the Church confronts ableism and embraces accessibility, it becomes a more faithful witness to the Gospel, affirming that every clergy person is valued not despite disability, but as a beloved child of God whose gifts strengthen the whole Church.
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Ableism Training
Consider completing this Ableism and the Church Module or reviewing this Disability Awareness module.
* Learn more and study about ableism and audism through this study.