God works through disability, using what the world sees as weakness to accomplish His plans. Jesus Himself chose to bear the scars of suffering even after His resurrection, showing solidarity with the weak. As the Church, we are called to do the same.
What does it mean to be an integral part of the Church when attending worship means facing barriers? While I’ve never felt unwelcome as a disabled person, many disabled individuals have. Some of this exclusion stems from a lack of access, but often there’s also a lukewarm or resistant attitude toward disabled people in the church.
When the church functions well, it provides friendship, support, justice, spiritual resources, safety, and a space where people feel heard. More importantly, when the church truly embraces people with disabilities and their families, it also receives their giftedness, which helps it more authentically become the church it is meant to be.
As the parent of an adult child with a disability, it strikes me that far too often the topic of sex and disability is avoided, particularly in faith contexts. This post is an attempt to dispel some of the myths and fears around the topic and to relay some of my thoughts in this regard, as I consider the impact these approaches may have on my own family.
For four years, I’ve reported on the expansion of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in Canada. I’ve listened to disabled Canadians share their fears and stories, feeling their sorrow deeply. Through this, I’ve found that MAiD starkly reminds me of Jesus’s hope, generosity, and presence in grief.
When did society shift to evaluating the existence of a person, based on what they “contribute”? And when did society adopt the mindset that suffering is not valuable to the human condition? How did the Canadian way of life become a real-life version of Squid Games?
As I trimmed Aunt Wilma’s “Good Luck” card, memories flooded back. Aunt Wilma’s vibrant prayers had always brought comfort, yet she couldn’t foresee the darkness that claimed her life. She died alone, a victim of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). We thought it was a cleaning service, not assisted suicide.
In an enlightening discussion, Bronwyn Gray shares insights into her short film Worth More, which addresses the complex and sensitive issue of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). Her hope is that the film will spark meaningful conversations and inspire action against MAiD across Canada.
Bill C-62's delay on extending MAiD access to those with mental illness until 2027 prompts a critical reflection on societal support. Keith Dow urges focusing on the root causes of suffering and ensuring comprehensive support systems, emphasizing that expanding MAiD criteria may sidestep essential, underlying questions.
"I don't want to be a burden." Dr. Quentin Genuis challenges society's misconception equating worth with independence. True dignity lies in embracing interdependence, affirming each person, especially the suffering or disabled, as a gift, not a burden.