As the United Methodist Church prepares for the 2025 annual conference season, delegates to the regional assemblies will vote on four constitutional amendments to The Book of Discipline. The Discipline is the denomination’s book of church law and organizational structures that guide the ministry and administrative life of the church.
Among the four amendments up for approval is one that would directly impact the denomination’s disability community. Amendment 2 would add language to Paragraph 4 of the Discipline to prevent membership discrimination against any person based on their ability. The amendment would also prevent gender discrimination in the paragraph.
The amendment is a necessary first step towards a movement of healing of harm done to the disability community within the United Methodist Church. As a United Methodist ordained pastor, a person with an invisible disability, and a disability advocate, I endorse this amendment as a positive step for the church to be a witness of Christ.
The church, including the United Methodist Church, has been a place of discrimination for too many people – laity and clergy – simply because of misguided views on disabilities and perceived abilities. I have personally experienced the pain of that discrimination that has gone on for too long.
Adoption of this amendment would bring greater awareness to the stories of hurt and harm done by ableist perspectives and beliefs regarding the faith lives and leadership abilities of individuals and families with various disabilities. Godmakes no distinction upon a person’s ability to receive faith and participate in the ministries of the church. It is we, the church, who place limitations where God does not based on what we perceive possible.
This is a movement in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done. Simply adding language to The Book of Discipline does not make us more inclusive and our churches more accommodating. It is a start, yes, but there must be deeper recognition of the need for healing, deeper awareness of the need for connection, and a pathway to move forward.
Healing comes through honest dialogue that leads to the recognition of the harm done in the church. Studies suggest that more than a third of families and individuals affected by disabilities have left the church due to the lack of welcome, acceptance, and love. The church must provide space for pastors, laity, and others to hear the stories of people who have left the church because they have not been accepted due to their disabilities. We need to listen to these stories, recognize where harm has occurred, and repent.
Much in the same way that the denomination has repented for past harm done towards other marginalized communities, and rightly so, the denomination must make a public witness of recognizing its contributions in creating systems that promote ableist views and practices. The disability community deserves that moment of healing just like anyone else.
At the same time, the disability community must do a better job using its voice and platform to educate what it means to welcome and embrace. We need to encourage people with disabilities to self-advocate for their needs and place them at the table. There also must be a willingness from leadership in the church and across the denomination to listen to authentic voices sharing their stories, their needs, and how the church can adapt to make our mission more Christ-like for all.
I pray this will lead to a deeper partnership between the disability community and the church to foster a dialogue and shared partnership to create a more just and inclusive community. A community that exists not just in words on a page,but actions that are measurable and actionable in all areas of the church.
Nothing in the church should ever be done without giving the disability community a chance to lead and participate in the conversation.
Amendment 2 moves us in the right direction. It is not the end of the journey, but, perhaps, a reawakening moment of disability inclusion within the United Methodist Church.
Shannon Blosser 