Disabled Pastors Say the Church That Preaches Inclusion Still Shuts Them Out

New Report Reveals Disabled Clergy Still Face Significant Barriers in Church Ministry

A new report has revealed that disabled clergy continue to face significant barriers in ministry, despite the Church's public commitment to inclusion and diversity.

The findings highlight structural and attitudinal obstacles that prevent disabled ministers from fully participating in church life.

Physical inaccessibility of church buildings, parsonages, and conference venues remains a persistent problem. But the barriers extend beyond architecture.

Disabled clergy report facing unconscious bias from congregations and leadership, assumptions about their capabilities, inadequate reasonable adjustments, and career progression obstacles. Some describe feeling like a "token" presence rather than a valued member of the ministry team.

The report calls on churches to move beyond aspirational statements about inclusion to concrete systemic changes: accessible buildings, flexible working arrangements, mentoring programs specifically for disabled clergy, and training for congregations on disability awareness.

Church Inclusion Rhetoric Fails to Match Reality for Disabled Ministers

The Church's credibility on inclusion is tested not by its sermons but by how it treats the ministers who cannot climb the pulpit stairs.

The Crusader's Opinion

The Church proclaims that every person has dignity and purpose in the body of Christ. Scripture tells us that "the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you." And yet disabled clergy are being told exactly that, not in words, but in inaccessible buildings, limited opportunities, and quiet assumptions about what they can and cannot do. If we truly believe that God calls people to ministry, we must remove every barrier we have placed in their path. The call comes from God. The obstacles come from us.

Take Action

• Act: Audit your church building for physical accessibility. Can a wheelchair user reach the pulpit?
• Share: Share this report with your church leadership. Start a conversation about accessibility and inclusion.
• Pray: Pray for disabled clergy who serve faithfully despite barriers, and for churches to remove those barriers.
• Learn: Listen to the experiences of disabled Christians in your own congregation. Their perspective will change yours.