A powerful andmuch-neededcollection that blends personal stories andresources to help members of liberal religious congregationsfosteraccessible and inclusive communities for disabled people.
InEN-US”>Beloved as We AreEN-US”>,community minister and mental health advocate Barbara F. Meyersanddisability justiceactivistShelly Roheinvite members ofliberal religious congregationsinto the ongoing work ofcreatingaccessible and inclusivecommunities for disabled people and their loved ones.The book brings tothe forefrontthe experiences of disabled people in UnitarianUniversalistcommunitiesthrough personal stories,revealing both moments ofhealing and belongingand the emotional and spiritual harm caused by exclusion,insufficient accommodations, and ableism.
Recognizing the wide spectrum of disability,including non-apparent and progressive conditions,Meyers and Rohe equipreadersto move beyond good intentions.They include a detailed historyof disability within Unitarian Universalismand resources aboutdisabled identities, ableist language, disability justice, and more.Theyprovide practical tools for congregations to assess their own communities andidentifypriorities for change.Meyers and Rohe encourage proactive, accountable allyship, noting that accommodation and inclusion are not just about physical or technological changes, but leadership opportunities, social engagement, pastoral care, and representation.
Every congregation has work to do around ableismand this workis never finished.EN-US”>Beloved as We AreEN-US”>offers both acall and a companion for communities committed to living their valuesmore fully.
