Author: aaiddreligion

A Review of “Autism and Your Church: Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder” (2nd edition) by Barbara J. Newman
Published by Friendship Ministries

This 2011 revision of the original 2006 manual concludes with a call and a challenge by Pastor Jared Henderson to form inclusive worship communities by providing passionate, unconditional love to person with special needs, pursuing those who may need such environments, and to show compassion in order to “be willing to get close.” (p.91). With her fine mix of rationale based on scripture along with an extensive array of practical suggestions to faith communities attempting to meet the spiritual needs of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders and related disabilities, Ms. Newman accomplishes this in fine fashion. Although the publication is Christian in orientation, the suggestions could be easily integrated into any organized faith community interested in reaching out to persons with ASD and other special needs.

Continue reading “Pursuing Passionate and Compassionate Love” →

Thank you to everyone who filled out our recent survey, below you will find a brief summary of the results:

Continue reading “Survey Results” →

Dear Friends,

I am excited about working with you all the next two years as president of the Religion and Spirituality Division! I have enjoyed the opportunities for learning and relationships through my membership, which have richly enhanced my ministry as director for Pastoral Ministry with Persons with Disabilities in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark. I hope and pray that I may do justice to the legacy of those before me.

Continue reading “Letter from the President” →

Since our inception 30 years ago, Friendship Ministries has believed that the Church is complete only when it includes all of God’s people. To that end, we have worked diligently to encourage and equip congregations to minister with intellectual disabilities. Our unique model for ministry has quickly become the standard for congregations around the world, and we have been blessed with friends, mentors, colleagues, and partners who have graciously supported Friendship’s mission in their own communities.

Continue reading “Friendship Ministries, Celebrating 30 Years” →

Online Resources from the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey and Catholic Charities Health and Human Services of Cleveland, Ohio

As our collective efforts to employ emerging technologies to assist in our faith based outreach activities continues to expand, I wanted to share two examples from individual Roman Catholic dioceses in this review due to my relative familiarity with them. Although I am certain that there are other internet-based sites from many faith traditions, it is my hope that some of the examples that I will share from these two might motivate local providers to implement similar services using some of the ideas and tools both have developed. (Please be sure to obtain permission from the key contact persons listed below before copying/modifying any such materials that they have placed online).

Continue reading “Think Spiritually; Act Locally” →

Dear Friends,
I am excited about working with you all the next two years as president of the Religion and Spirituality Division! Please read the minutes below from the Forum this year and look for more division news in August via our newsletter and a survey discussed below.

I hope you get to enjoy some moments of refreshment and relaxation this summer.

God’s Peace,
Anne Masters
President,
Religion & Spirituality Division

Continue reading “Minutes of the Annual Business Meeting and Forum” →

The Third Annual Summer Institute on Theology and Disability is being held July 16-20 at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois. The Institute provides a week long opportunity for learning and networking between key theologians and academics working at the intersection of theology and disability and others more focused on ministries, advocacy, and practice. The core faculty for the Summer Institute also serve as speakers and mentors for the week. This year they are Hans Reinders, John Swinton, Erik Carter, Thomas Reynolds, Deborah Creamer and Bill Gaventa.
Continue reading “2012 Summer Institute on Theology and Disability” →

This was the vision statement that Eagle Scout candidate Brendan Rizzo used to guide, with the assistance of his parents David and Mercedes, the development of a set of adaptive materials to assist his sister, Danielle, in preparing to receive her First Communion in the Roman Catholic faith tradition. Danielle, a person in the autism spectrum population, needed adapted instruction in order to meet basic eligibility guidelines. In my opinion, the kit could readily be used by other Christian worship traditions that include the reception of Communion/Eucharist.
Continue reading “Take this, all of you, and Eat of it.” →

The Third Annual Summer Institute on Theology and Disability will be held this summer on July 16-20 in Chicago, Illinois at the Catholic Theological Union academic and Conference Center.

More information is available at 2012 Summer Institute on Theology and Disability website.

Continue reading “The Third Annual Summer Institute on Theology and Disability” →

Update June 6, 2012

The upcoming national conference promises to be fruitful and fun as always. Although budgets are stretched, it is important to take time out to renew ourselves and reconnect with each other. There are many good sessions to attend, including a panel on Spiritual Communities of Support consisting of three presenters from the division.

June 19th

Spiritual Communities of Support Track

Continue reading “Religion and Disability Division Activities at the National Conference” →