NBCC calls on Nagaland churches to embrace active inclusion

Call for participation in fellowship, leadership, decision-making and other areas of ministry

Kohima, November 15 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), through its Social Concerns Department, has called upon churches and communities to move beyond charitable assistance towards meaningful inclusion and participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in church and society.

Speaking on the theme, “From Charity to Participation” at Rengma Baptist church, Kohima,  highlighted the biblical account of Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul, who had a mobility impairment affecting both feet following a childhood accident.

Drawing parallels from the account, Naleo said King David's kindness towards Mephibosheth, through the restoration of his inheritance, dignity and place at the royal table, demonstrated that compassion must go beyond material assistance to ensure acceptance, security and belonging.

He observed that while Mephibosheth's physical condition remained unchanged, his social standing and economic security were transformed. Similarly, he said, the social, spiritual and economic opportunities of PWDs should not be restricted by societal barriers and exclusion.

Referring to the roles of David and Ziba in the biblical narrative, Naleo urged the church not only to recognise the needs of PwDs but also to actively connect them with opportunities for participation and inclusion.

He said churches must move beyond occasional acts of kindness and create opportunities for PwDs to participate in worship, fellowship, leadership, decision-making and other areas of ministry. 

This would require accessible church facilities and services, skills development and training, greater engagement 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 that those considered weaker are indispensable. PWDs, he emphasised, should not be viewed merely as recipients of ministry but as integral members with gifts, abilities and contributions to offer.

He further observed that unity in Christ does not mean uniformity, but calls for embracing diversity and mutual dependence. The participation of the Deaf Prayer Fellowship, particularly through singing hymns using sign language and actions, was cited as an example of how diverse abilities and expressions could enrich church worship and fellowship.

Addressing PWDs, Naleo encouraged them not to allow their disabilities to define their identity, worth or potential. He said receiving assistance or support should not be regarded as a weakness, noting that human life itself was characterised by mutual dependence.

Naleo called upon churches to renew their commitment to the inclusion and empowerment of PWDs, stressing that the objective 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, informed a press release from the NBCC Social Concerns Department.