Opening the Church to All God’s Children
Written by Brett Webb-Mitchell

About the dance of relationship between those our society has labeled “disabled” and “non-disabled.”

Many in the church recognize the need for more education, information, and building changes and much has been accomplished through more accessible programs and worship experiences.

This sense of mission, openness, and willingness are not as welcoming for those who are
autistic, mentally retarded, seizure disordered, mentally ill, cerebral palsied, dyslexic, or who suffer from other communication disorders.

Brett Webb-Mitchell says the church “adopts strategies and approaches framed by the [secular] world but not necessarily by the Gospel of God.” We ignore discussion of mind, body, and spirit, let alone God.

He challenges us to welcome all children of God into our lives because Jesus told us to do so. Those with disabilities often best teach us the ways of the body of Christ that will lead us to the reign of God. This book challenges the church biblically, theologically, and practically to “dance with disabilities.”

Reviewed by Robert L. Loffer
Cleveland: United Church Press, 1997

From UCC DM Newsletter Archive, Book Beat