Gwanda pastors unite to promote inclusivity in churches

By Jonah B Moyo

GWANDA – Pastors from various churches in Gwanda recently engaged with Nkomwa Foundation Trust during a meeting that sought to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in churches.

The engagements highlighted pressing issues affecting people with disabilities in their congregations, including the lack of sign language interpretation during sermons and inaccessible buildings, which hinder full participation.

Pastors recognised that people with disabilities are often excluded from church services and programmes due to various barriers. They committed to implementing inclusive practices in their branches to promote a more accessible and welcoming environment for all.

Gwanda Pastors Fraternity Chairperson, Reverend Given Ncube, emphasised the importance of practicing inclusivity in churches to promote diversity and equal participation.

“I have learned a lot from this engagement with NFT through realising that we have been excluding people with disabilities from participating in church services and activities, due to misconceptions that involving them would be abusive, rather than empowering,” he said.

He also encouraged other pastors to promote inclusion through ensuring that their facilities and services can be easily accessed by anyone.

“Most of our churches are inaccessible to people with disabilities due to physical barriers like steps. I urge pastors to consider restructuring their church entrances to be more inclusive, ensuring that individuals with mobility impairments, such as those using wheelchairs, can easily access and participate in worship services.”

“Our services often lack sign language interpreters, excluding those with hearing impairments from fully benefiting from our teachings. To address this, we need to incorporate sign language experts into our services, ensuring everyone can participate and understand the message,” he said.

Pastor Stallion Ndlovu from Baptist Church, Jahunda branch, highlighted that they used to donate goods to PWDs but now they have to reconsider their way of doing things.

“We have been donating goods to people with disabilities, but I have realised we often overlook their input in decision-making. Instead of assuming their needs, we are now challenged to consult them directly, asking what they truly require, to ensure their needs and perspectives are catered,” he said.

The Bible Society of Zimbabwe provided pastors with audio Bible radios and Bibles, enabling group listening and Bible study sessions that include people with disabilities, thus contributing to an inclusive scripture engagement and community learning.

“It is encouraging to see pastors embracing their role in creating inclusive church environments where people with disabilities feel valued and at home. It is crucial to educate people about disability, emphasising that everyone is equal and valued, both within and beyond the church community,” said Gwinyai Ndembera-Bible Society of Zimbabwe-Programmes and Church Relations Officer.

Pastor Trace Nyoni from Mawane Brethren in Christ Church echoed the sentiments that the audio Bibles will enable church members, including those with disabilities, to collectively engage with and understand the Word of God through group listening sessions.

“I am thrilled about the audio Bibles. We will use them to bring church members together in groups to listen to God’s word. For people with disabilities who face challenges attending church, we will visit them at home, playing the audio Bibles and sharing in fellowship and worship,” she said.

NFT Executive Director Pick Nkomwa highlighted that PWDs are the most affected group in the world as they are not included in church programming.

“We hope from this engagement pastors will restructure their churches to accommodate PWDs in their services by giving them duties to do like other church members as disability does not mean inability. The church needs to actively reach out to and be inclusive of people with disabilities by being accessible in attitude, buildings and correct Biblical teaching,” Nkomwa said.

Gwanda Town Clerk Priscillar Nkala said as the Local Government they will enforce laws that focuses on PWDs.

“As local government, it is our responsibility to uphold laws that promote equality for people with disabilities. This includes ensuring churches are accessible and inclusive, allowing everyone to participate in services without barriers.”

“According to our bylaws, ramps should be installed at the main entrance of churches, ensuring equal access for everyone. Building ramps at secondary entrances can perpetuate segregation. Let us prioritise inclusive design and place ramps at the primary entrance, promoting dignity and accessibility for people with disabilities,” she advised.