NBCC urges churches and communities to promote dignity, inclusion and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities
DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), through its Social Concerns Department, has called upon churches and communities to move beyond charitable assistance and ensure the meaningful inclusion and participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the church and society.
Speaking on the theme, “From Charity to Participation” at Rengma Baptist Church, Kohima, on Sunday, Dr. Villo Naleo, Secretary, Social Concern, emphasised that persons with disabilities should not be viewed merely as recipients of charity but as valued members of society with equal dignity, abilities and contributions.
Drawing lessons from the biblical account of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul, Naleo highlighted how King David restored his inheritance, dignity and place at the royal table despite his physical disability.
Mephibosheth had become lame in both feet following an accident during childhood. However, the speaker pointed out that although his physical condition remained unchanged, his social standing, economic security and sense of belonging were transformed through David's kindness.
The account, Naleo observed, illustrates that compassion must extend beyond material assistance to restoring dignity, acceptance, security and belonging.
Similarly, while the physical conditions of PWDs may not change, their social, spiritual and economic opportunities should not be restricted by barriers and exclusion.
Referring to the roles of David and Ziba in the biblical narrative, the speaker challenged the church to recognise the needs of persons with disabilities and actively create opportunities for their inclusion.
Ziba's role in bringing Mephibosheth to David was cited as an example of connecting people with opportunities, while David's response demonstrated the importance of translating compassion into practical action.
Naleo stressed that churches must provide PWDs with meaningful opportunities to participate in worship, fellowship, leadership, decision-making and other areas of ministry.
This, the speaker said, requires making church facilities and services accessible, providing skills development and training, involving PWDs in church activities, and equipping counsellors and Sunday school teachers to respond sensitively to disability-related concerns.
Referring to 1 Corinthians 12, Naleo reiterated that the church is one body with many members, and no member can claim independence from another.
The biblical teaching that seemingly weaker parts of the body are indispensable was highlighted to emphasise that PWDs are not merely recipients of ministry but integral members with gifts, abilities and contributions to offer.
The speaker further noted that unity in Christ does not mean uniformity but calls for embracing diversity and practising mutual dependence.
The participation of the Deaf Prayer Fellowship, particularly through singing hymns using sign language and actions, was cited as an encouraging example of how different abilities and expressions can enrich worship and fellowship.
Addressing persons with disabilities, Naleo encouraged them not to allow their physical conditions to define their identity, worth or potential.
The speaker emphasised that disability is not a personal choice and that dependency should not be regarded as a weakness, as human life itself is characterised by mutual dependence.
PWDs were encouraged to recognise their significance and participate confidently in the life of the church and society.
Concluding, Naleo called upon churches to renew their commitment to the inclusion and empowerment of PWDs, stressing that the goal should be to create opportunities for dignity, participation and belonging rather than merely extending assistance.
“From charity to participation, from exclusion to belonging, and from Lo-Debar to Jerusalem” was the central challenge extended to churches and communities, urging them to become instruments of God's grace, acceptance and restoration.