Church of England to Dedicate £5 Million Towards Disability Project

Anglican Church Launches Major Funding Initiative for Disabled Christians

The Church of England has announced it will dedicate £5 million towards a comprehensive disability inclusion project aimed at making churches more accessible and welcoming to disabled Christians across the nation.

The initiative represents one of the largest financial commitments by the Anglican communion specifically targeting disability ministry and accessibility improvements.

According to the announcement, the funding will be distributed over multiple years to support local parishes in removing physical barriers, providing assistive technologies, and training clergy and lay leaders in disability awareness and inclusion practices.

The project acknowledges that many church buildings, particularly historic structures, present significant challenges for disabled worshippers including those with mobility impairments, sensory disabilities, and neurodivergent conditions.

Addressing Barriers That Exclude Disabled Believers from Worship

Church of England officials stated that the £5 million investment will support grants for accessibility modifications such as ramps, hearing loop systems, accessible toilets, and improved lighting. Additionally, funds will be allocated for creating sensory friendly worship spaces, developing large print and braille materials, and establishing disability ministry training programs for church leadership.

The initiative also includes provisions for supporting disabled clergy and church workers, recognizing that physical and systemic barriers often prevent disabled Christians from serving in ministry roles.

Church leaders emphasized that the project aims to move beyond mere compliance with disability legislation toward genuine inclusion and celebration of disabled members as full participants in church life.

Representatives from disability advocacy groups within the Church of England welcomed the announcement, noting that disabled Christians have long experienced exclusion and marginalization in congregational settings.

The funding is expected to benefit thousands of churches across England, with priority given to parishes demonstrating commitment to long term accessibility improvements and cultural change around disability inclusion.

TAKE ACTION

Support Disability Ministry: • Joni and Friends: www.joniandfriends.org/give (serves families affected by disability) • Email: info@joniandfriends.org | Phone: 1-818-707-5664

Church Accessibility Resources: • Through the Roof: www.throughtheroof.org/donate (UK disability charity enabling church access) • Email: info@throughtheroof.org | Phone: +44 (0)1372 749955

Disability Inclusion Training: • The Accessible Church: www.accessiblechurch.org (provides resources and consulting) • Email: contact through website

What You Can Do Today: • Conduct an accessibility audit of your own church and present findings to leadership • Advocate for disabled members in your congregation and ensure their voices are heard in decision making • Volunteer to assist disabled worshippers with transportation, navigation, or participation in services • Support organizations providing assistive devices and accessibility modifications to churches globally