Christian greetings, friends,

Recently, I had the opportunity to co-ordinate chaplaincy at an international sporting event like none I have ever been involved with before. The Invictus Games in Toronto this September reminded me of the “unconquerable hope” many of those with disabilities show within the Canadian Forces along with those from other nations they have served with. To mix and meet with 550 competitors and 1,100 of their family and friends was humbling, moving and educational. I, as one who is called to love my neighbour as myself, was reminded at the Invictus Games of what our colleague, Dwayne Milley, of Christian Horizons, has communicated to me. Fourteen per cent of the Canadian population have a disability and one per cent of our population have a developmental disability.

Accessibility matters, but more important is inclusion and involvement. There are numerous opportunities to ensure that we are church communities and ministries that include these 14 per cent of Canadians in our worship, service and ministry. A link below and two attachments made available to us by Dwayne and our friends at Christian Horizons provide excellent resources.

Rev. Dave Wells

General Superintendent

The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada

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Click here to read the Indicators of Welcome Tool.

Click here to read the Congregational Practice Guide 2014.

Everybody Belongs - a page of resources created for churches who choose to take part or much of their service to focus on persons with disabilities.