National Consultation on Church and Disability: Building an Inclusive Fellowship and Serving Together as God’s Co-Workers
Thanks to YAKKUM, Always At The Forefront Welcome Speech of the Chairman of PGI IX
“Thanks to YAKKUM, as a biological child of the Javanese Christian Churches, it will always be at the forefront of health and humanitarian services.” This was conveyed by Rev. Gomar Gultom, Chairman of the General Association of Churches in Indonesia (Chairman of PGI) at the opening of the National Consultation on Churches and Disabilities: Building an Inclusive Fellowship and Serving Together as God’s Co-Workers. June 12-16, 2024 at Arjuna Hotel Yogyakarta.
The Fellowship of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) together with the Christian Foundation for Public Health (YAKKUM) as the host of the event, together with the PGI Men’s Communication Forum (FKPKB) and the National Commission on Disability (KND) initiated the event. The 3-day event was attended by at least 75 PGI member church leaders, 3 government agencies, and 30 Synods, and PGI partner institutions.
YAKKUM and Disability Inclusion
YAKKUM has rarely appeared in PGI forums, not because it is positioned as an outsider. In fact, in YAKKUM’s work meeting reports before the Foundation Law, almost every formal coordination always had the PGI present to provide direction. It is a joy to have the task of being the hostess because it illustrates that YAKKUM is part of the PGI.
“Moreover, what is currently being promoted in the current Konas is an integral part of our mandate, namely to bring diaconal services to be inclusive. If it is inclusive, it must bring all forms of service to be aware of disability. Many of our programs are geared towards disability. We have many memberships in that field, and we want to expand by involving our parent churches.” Said Rev. Simon Julianto, Chairman of the YAKKUM Board.
YAKKUM is already building an “inclusive church” with local churches. The hope is that in the future, through the conference, all churches in Indonesia will also become inclusive.
Real Action
On the other hand, the National Commission on Disability (KND) represented by Jonna Aman Damanik said, “since 2002 I have made small practices in churches. I do disability mainstreaming work in the region.” Disability inclusion is a trait, to make everyone comfortable, to make everyone participate.
There is a sense of equality, justice that is evident from the theme of the National Conference of Churches with Disabilities. “I had a small discussion with Rev. Helen. The tough challenges of the church in the future must start with real action.” Jonna said. It is hoped that the National Conference can produce communiqués or joint agreements that can later be brought to the PGI General Assembly.
Networking to Realize Disability Friendly Church
Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwana X, Governor of Special Region of Yogyakarta, represented by Dr. Sukamto, S.H, M.H as Expert Staff of the Governor of Special of Yogyakarta said that persons with disabilities have the same rights to obtain and enjoy facilities in carrying out worship in the Church. The church as a social institution plays an important role in shaping society’s view of various groups and individuals. The church must also be an agent of change in forming an inclusive, friendly community and reducing stigma against people with disabilities.
“Through the application of the values of love, justice and openness, the church needs to create an environment that supports and respects human diversity including people with disabilities. So that the Church is able to become an agent of positive change, shaping a world where every individual is accepted and valued, regardless of their physical or mental condition.” said Dr. Sukamto.
Being an inclusive church means realizing a church that is increasingly embracing and open to the involvement of many parties. This includes providing disability-friendly facilities, medical and social support. Ensuring that people with disabilities are recognized, valued as an integral part of the church community. The church is responsible for ensuring that all members of the congregation, including those with disabilities, can fully participate in church life.
The Special Region of Yogyakarta Regional Government through Regional Regulation No. 5 of 2022 concerning the implementation of respect, protection and fulfilment of the rights of persons with disabilities, strives to realize the fulfilment of the rights of persons with disabilities. “Let us collaborate to develop networks to realize a disability-friendly church,” Dr. Sukamto in his speech.
Mainstreaming Disability Issues
The Conference on Churches and Disability is intended as a forum for churches and PGI partner organizations working on disability issues in Indonesia. In the course of the movement there is a process of reflection and sharing experiences in the disability-friendly movement, as well as fighting for their rights.
The church is invited to become an oasis for others and especially for our brothers and sisters with disabilities. The church and partners have a joint commitment and action plan to develop various efforts to mainstream disability inclusion that are more progressive and sustainable.
The PGI has seen more than a decade of conversations and activities developed in order to mainstream disability. Even in line with that, the government issued Law No. 8/2016 on disability which stipulates, “The right to public services for persons with disabilities.”
However, mainstreaming disability issues in church services remains a dream because access for persons with disabilities in services has not been well implemented. This reality is portrayed and becomes the background of the National Conference. In and through this Conference, we will discuss the unfortunate conditions for our brothers and sisters.
Big Implications
With the theme, “Building Inclusive Fellowship and Serving Together as God’s Co-Workers” there are major implications to be achieved, namely a paradigm shift in viewing people with disabilities as subjects, not as objects in the church’s pastoral agenda.
As God’s co-workers, 1 Cor 3:9, Paul identifies himself, we are inviting and facilitating people with disabilities to become co-workers. People with disabilities may have limitations in certain aspects.
“This should not be a barrier for the church to involve them in church services. Isn’t Christ always solidary and siding with those who are weak in such a way?” said Rev. Gomar.
That the church pays attention to this aspect of humanity is the call of the church that cannot be ignored in imitating what Jesus Christ did. Not rejecting those with disabilities, but instead Jesus reached out and embraced them in the loving embrace of a father. Jesus made himself available to be embraced by anyone. Rev. Gomar said, “with variations on what is said in Matthew 25, we hear the Son of Man saying: ‘When I was helpless because of my disability you strengthened me’.”
The IX PGI’s Chairman said, “I hope that through this Conference we can all exchange ideas in an effort to build a shared commitment to humanity and equality.”
