We Are Valued Equally

Throughout the Bible we are presented with examples of God’s love for the people who don’t fit in. Jesus frequently eats with people labelled as outcasts by society, he acknowledges the downtrodden, welcomes the marginalised, and blesses those who have been existing on the margins.

Churches can be difficult places for people who don’t behave in ways that society considers ‘normal’. North London based charity WAVE

(We Are Valued Equally) set up the WAVE Worship movement to encourage adults with and without learning disabilities come together to worship, and create new friendships.

WAVE worship is relaxed in format, with creative activities, visual prompts and Makaton signing.

On their website they say:

You may face barriers...

• Lack of awareness

• People don’t realise the need or possibility for mixed-ability activities

• Vulnerability avoidance

• People think it’s not for them

• Unpredictability

• People don’t know what to do around people different to them

• Lack of language

• People don’t know what to say. But they can be overcome...

• Relax

• Don’t worry about saying or doing the wrong thing, be flexible and don’t beat yourself up if things don’t go to plan

• Have fun!

• Include your friends –focus on making it easy and enjoyable for people to comfortably mix

Lead Growth Enabler for the Diocese Angela Clarke said,

“Church is there for everyone, and the Growth Enablers are really keen to support any Churches who wish to make their Churches fully inclusive.” The Diocesan Growth Enablers are on hand to help you to make waves in your community. They would love to hear from you. Angela Clarke (angelaclarke@ cinw.org.uk), Debbie Orris (debbieorriss@cinw.org.uk), Laura Ames (lauraames@ cinw.org.uk), Joe Engel (josephengle@churchinwales. org.uk).