General Synod XXIV Minneapolis was a joyous celebration of ministry for the UCC Disabilities Ministries and for the Mental Illness Network. From that first resolution passed by General Synod in 1977 to today, we celebrate the emergence of leaders with disabilities.
During the last six years, the UCC DM has been blessed by the presence and leadership of outgoing co chairs, Rev. Jeanne Tyler of Nebraska, and Rita Fiero of Connecticut. They have inspired us from a wealth of experience and knowledge. Thank you on behalf of the church for guiding us to new vistas for identifying, developing, and nurturing leaders with disabilities.
Our gratitude goes out as well to the Rev. Bob Dell of Illinois, the founder of the Mental Illness Network in 1992. Our celebration of MIN is a tribute to Bob’s pioneering effort in developing a church wide network of support for individuals and families impacted by mental illness/brain disorders. Bob has led MIN and pioneered Pathways to Promise, an ecumenical organization that addresses mental illness issues. To honor Bob, at this General Synod, the MIN established the Robert and Joyce Dell award. Bob and Joyce are its first recipients.
We celebrate this chapter in the history of the UCCDM. A line in the disability movement declares that “a ramp is not enough.” The ministry of those mentioned here and of others is a witness that when we open ourselves to the variety of ways that disability is manifested, the entire Body of Christ finds new meaning to the word “wholeness.” May the meaning of wholeness for the people of God continue to unfold before us.
We look forward to increasing our understanding of being boldly hospitable as a church. We will continue to strengthen our church as we support people with disabilities from the earliest ages to the most senior moments of life.
David Denham, UCC DM Consultant
From UCC DM Newsletter Archive
