The conference, under the theme “Empowered to Serve — Exploring inclusion, accessibility, and the theology of disability in the modern church,” urged the churches to become places of dignity, belonging, and restoration for persons with disabilities. The two-day national conference explored the intersection of inclusion, accessibility, and disability theology in the modern church. Through biblical reflection, practical workshops, storytelling, and dialogue, participants examined how churches can better embody justice, compassion, and participation for all people. Speaking during the opening of the conference, Most Rev. Dr Jackson Ole Sapit, primate and archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya reflected on Luke 8:35 in remarks titled “The People We Hide Away.” Drawing from the story of the man restored by Jesus after living among the tombs, the archbishop challenged churches and communities to confront the ways society isolates people who are perceived as different or burdensome. “Christ walks toward the person everyone else has learned to avoid,” he said. “The Gospel restores dignity. It moves toward the forgotten and refuses to measure human worth by usefulness, stability, beauty, wealth, productivity, or social comfort.” The archbishop noted that many persons with disabilities, trauma, mental health challenges, or social exclusion continue to experience isolation rather than restoration, even within faith communities. He urged churches to become spaces where all people are fully welcomed into worship, fellowship, leadership, and community life. Participants explored how churches can move beyond charity approaches toward genuine inclusion and empowerment. Discussions emphasized the importance of accessible worship spaces, inclusive development programmes, disability-sensitive theology, and the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making. Presenting during a workshop titled “From Inclusion to Empowerment: Strengthening the Livelihoods of Persons with Disabilities through the Church’s Initiatives,” Anjeline Okola, World Council of Churches Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network programme coordinator, highlighted the need for churches to intentionally include persons with disabilities in mainstream development work. “While churches continue to play a major role in development initiatives such as health, agriculture, and education, persons with disabilities have often remained excluded from many of these programmes,” she said. “Inclusion is not about making exceptions. It is about ensuring that everyone feels they belong and are part and parcel of worship and community life.” Okola encouraged faith leaders to rethink how church programmes are planned and implemented so that persons with disabilities are fully included in both spiritual and social development initiatives. The conference concluded with participants committing to celebrate every person as fearfully and wonderfully made, advocate for the rights and needs of persons with disabilities, and build churches and communities where all people experience dignity, belonging, and full participation. Learn more about the work of the Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network (EDAN) | 
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