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Resources

Principles of inclusion

Our church believes everyone should feel welcome and included.

Our four principles of inclusion

  • We include everyone.
  • You can talk to us about anything.
  • Your safety matters.
  • You have the right to make your own choices.

These principles were developed as part of the church’s response to the Disability Royal Commission.

You can read more in the Disability Royal Commission National Task Group Principles

Principles Poster

You can download a poster to display in your church.
The poster can help start conversations about inclusion in your congregation.

Download the poster:

Disability Inclusion A3 Poster Print.pdf

Disability Inclusion A4 Poster Digital.pdf

Mental Health Kit

The kit includes:

  • personal stories
  • worship resources
  • sermon ideas
  • community support services
  • checklists to help churches support people with mental health challenges

Download Mental Health Kit – PDF version (5.67 MB)

Dementia

This module will explore some of the basics of dementia in general and pastoral care of older people in relation to dementia.

Download DIY E12 Dementia and Pastoral care

This module is for all congregations and faith communities who are seeking to welcome, include and nurture people who have dementia and those who share their journey. The module includes information, advice and resources to explore in more depth.

Download DIY E13 Dementia friendly Congregations

Autism in congregation life

This three-part video series was created as part of the Synod’s 2019–2022 Disability Action Plan.

The videos include perspectives from:

  • Three autistic people
  • Two parents of autistic children
  • Two Uniting Church ministers speaking about disability and theology

Each video also includes:

  • extra resources
  • discussion questions to help start conversations

View the videos and resources

To download the videos for offline viewing, please visit the online video hosted on Vimeo: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

 

Download the Autism and Congregational Life video questions and resources

Called to be a Church for All (Assembly)

The Assembly’s Transforming Worship Circle made a liturgy. It shows how people with disabilities can feel left out, and how they can be welcomed.
Download Called to be a church for all liturgy

Guidelines for Disability Access 2020 (Assembly)

Practical guidelines to make church buildings and activities accessible.
Download the guidelines

Compliments, Concerns and Complaints (3C’s) Guidelines

The 3C's Guidelines and Easy English resources are available on the Policies and Procedures page of the Synod Safe Church website. These resources support people who are giving feedback, raising concerns, or making complaints, as well as those who are receiving them.

Policies & Procedures – Safe Church

Accessible Communication

Synod 2021 Bible Studies

Bible study resources that focus on inclusion and accessibility. Download the Bible studies

To Belong I Need to Be Missed Report 2024

A collaborative research project to investigate the experiences of people with disability and faith leaders, from Buddhist, Christian, Jewish and Muslim perspectives.

Download the report

Additional Resources

Resources developed by other organisations that support disability
inclusion and accessibility initiatives.

Reset Room Design Guide (Sensory Rooms & Chill-Out Zones)

Amaze, Deakin University and Architecture & Access provide practical
guidance on creating sensory rooms and chill-out spaces that support
people with sensory needs.

Biblical Disability

This website is about disability in the Bible. It brings together
material about what the Bible says about disability and how these
passages have been interpreted across different times and contexts.

Jesus Club

Jesus Club Ministries provides practical resources and support for
churches wanting to start a disability ministry for adults with
intellectual disabilities.

Mental Health & Pastoral Care Institute

The Mental Health & Pastoral Care Institute equips churches,
ministry leaders and pastoral carers to better support mental health
and wellbeing within faith communities.