Come and celebrate the different abilities of all

On Saturday 09 March, Chester Cathedral will host a special service with one simple aim: to celebrate the abilities of all people. Organised by the diocesan Disability Forum, the service is designed to be as accessible and inclusive as possible.

Engagement and Inclusion Officer in the Diocese of Chester, Vanessa Layfield says that everyone, regardless of ability, is welcome and encouraged to attend.

“The service will be a colourful and creative celebration. We want everyone to feel welcome, included and valued. It will be a service that celebrates all abilities.”

The service will showcase the different creative treatments that parishes can employ to make all people feel welcome. This includes sensory prayer stations, large print and Braille service sheets, a signing choir, hearing loops, and guaranteed wheelchair access. Vanessa says that she hopes local parishes will feel inspired to think differently about how they respond to people with different abilities.  

Vanessa says: “I don’t think the Church as whole takes on board the needs of people with disabilities as well as it could. I’m sure most people would agree that our churches are not always the most accessible to those with limited mobility, and it is still rare for a church to offer signed services or service sheets in Braille and large print. We are improving, but there is still a long way to go.”

The Revd Mark Turner is the curate at Eastham, and chaplain of Birkenhead School, and will be part of the service. He identifies as having a “disability”, although it is “hidden” to those that don’t know him well. He says: “I wanted to be involved because it is important to highlight the variety of abilities and disabilities we have in this world. Some are obvious, others not so, but no matter what, God loves each of us and we are all his children, made in his image. The service will be a cause for celebration!”

The Diocese of Chester has previously run an 8-week course to give parishes and church leaders the understanding, confidence and tools to respond appropriately to people of different abilities. The Disability Forum is currently reviewing and revising the course which they plan to run again later this year.

Everyone is welcome to attend the service, but booking is essential to be able to offer the very best welcome to all. Click the image below to book and register at the service. 

Page last updated: Wednesday 9th January 2019 3:18 PM
Privacy Notice | Powered by Church Edit