TITLE: Charter of the Communities of L'Arche
AUTHOR: General Assembly of the Federation of L'Arche
PUBLICATION INFORMATION: 1993
The HearthThe Charter of L'Arche outlines the underlying principles and aims of L'Arche communities, the key aim of which is to "create communities which welcome people with a mental handicap," and the key principle that whatever our gifts and limitations, "people are all bound together in a common humanity." Also included are statements on the L'Arche communities themselves-communities called to: lives of faith; a covenant of unity; growth in love, self-giving, and wholeness; and integration into the community at-large-both religious and secular. Finally, the concern of L'Arche with social justice for and work against rejection of people with disabilities is expressed.
523 West 8th Street
Erie, PA 16502
(814) 452-2065
TITLE: Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities
AUTHOR: National Catholic Office for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)
PUBLICATION INFORMATION: 1978, Reprinted with updated language, 1989
NCPDThis position statement was written at the 1978 United States Catholic Conference and had its language updated in 1989. Taking a very clear stand that people with disabilities must be ensured a secure, welcoming, and full participatory place within the church, this NCPD position statement points out ways in which people with disabilities may be included at the parish, diocesan, and national level of the Catholic church. Specific issues discussed are acceptance, advocacy, dignity, education, faith, family, lay readership, legislation, prejudice, and accommodations (such as sign language interpretation and transportation). These issues are discussed within an underlying philosophy of, "it is not enough merely to affirm the rights of people with disabilities. We must actively work to make them real in the fabric of modern society."
P. O. BOX 29113
Washington, DC 20017-0113
(202) 529-2933 (Voice/TDD)
TITLE: NCPD Mission Statement
AUTHOR: National Catholic Office for Persons with Disabilities
PUBLICATION INFORMATION: 1995
NCPDApproved by the NCPD Board of Directors in the Spring of 1995, this is the mission statement of the NCPD. The overriding mission of the NCPD is to realize "the unique gifts individuals with disabilities have to offer the Church (and) the need for their integration into the Christian community and their fuller participation in its life." The NCPD aims to accomplish its mission through cooperation with other Catholic ministries for persons with disabilities (such as, the NAPMR), assisting diocesan officers and directors in ministering to people with disabilities, acting as a resource, and so on.
P. O. BOX 29113
Washington, DC 20017-0113
(202) 529-2933 (Voice/TDD)
TITLE: NCCC policy statement on disabilities, the body of Christ, and the wholeness of society
AUTHOR: NCC Committee on Disabilities
PUBLICATION INFORMATION: 1995
NCCC Human Rights: The Fulfillment of Life in the Social OrderThis position statement on roles of people with disabilities in the Church was adopted by the General Board of the NCC Committee on Disabilities on November 17th, 1995. Based on the biblical reference 1 Corinthians 12:14, "Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many," this policy statement rests on four theological principles: (1) all people are created in the image of God, (2) all people are called by God, (3) all people have special gifts, and (4) all people are invited to participate in God's ministry. Implications to these theological principles are also looked at.
NCC Committee on Disabilities
c/o Ministries in Christian Education
National Council of Churches of Christ
475 Riverside Drive, Room 848
New York, NY 10115
TITLE: The care and education of Jewish retarded children
AUTHOR: Schneerson, M. M.
PUBLICATION INFORMATION: 1979
Rabbi Menachem M. SchneersonRabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, Rebbe of Lubavitch Hassidim Jewish community, in 1979, wrote a three page letter in response to a question by a member of his community who is also a chairman of a regional council for mental retardation. The Rebbe was asked whether a child who is considered to have a developmental disability should be fully immersed into Jewish education and full participation in community and Jewish rituals-would this not be "doubly taxing" given their limitations to succeed in even the basic education.
Lubavitch
770 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11213
The Rebbe write in no uncertain terms that each child has potential as well as a right to Jewish education and full participation in community rituals. He said that it provides for either a "conscious or subconscious inner security" and a sense of "belonging and anchorage." It is our obligation to each Jewish child "without exception."
Rebbe Schneerson also spoke in 1978 on the idea that each Jewish child has a right to a Jewish education and that they should be entitled to full acceptance in the community. He said that all children have potential, regardless of labels placed on them by professional or developmental expectation. He said that although we have to be realistic, we can still have high expectations; realistic and ambitious.