The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) has released a Disability Working Paper as part of its preparations for the 27th General Council in 2025, calling on its more than 230 member churches to respond, reflect and recommit to the full inclusion of people with disabilities in every aspect of church life.

The working paper highlights persistent ableism in faith settings and proposes pathways toward equity and inclusion, grounded in Christian theology. The WCRC is urging its global community to read the paper, share it broadly and submit feedback by April 30.

To bring the paper to life, the WCRC spoke with the Rev. Gordon Cowans former moderator of United Church in Jamaica and Cayman Islands and the Rev. Terry DeYoung, former coordinator for disability concerns for the Reformed Church in America (RCA) – two faith leaders with disabilities who have spent decades in ministry and advocacy.

Ministry Beyond Assumptions

Cowans was born in the 1950s without a right hand and has served in the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands for many years. He credits his parents and early church life for helping him develop confidence and resilience.

“My experiences with the church have been overwhelmingly positive,” Cowans said. “But there’s still the idea that a minister should be ‘without blemish.’ That belief is narrow and harmful—not just to clergy, but to anyone with a visible or invisible disability.”

DeYoung, who has a rare bone disorder and uses mobility aids, says his journey into ordained ministry was filled with barriers. After earning his Master of Divinity with honors, he applied to dozens of churches—10 of which interviewed him in person. All eventually declined without clear explanation.

“Years later, someone admitted my disability played a big role in their decision,” DeYoung said. “They never asked what I could or couldn’t do—they just assumed. Thankfully, the church that finally hired me had nearly identical responsibilities, and I served there successfully for many years.”

Faith and Advocacy

Both Cowans and DeYoung say their disability advocacy is inseparable from their faith.

“My faith tells me that every person is made in the image of God,” Cowans said. “And that includes people with disabilities. Our worth is not based on what we can do, but on who we are.”

DeYoung echoed that conviction. “From the Psalms to the prophets, and through the life of Jesus, Scripture calls us to justice,” he said. “Advocating for disability rights isn’t optional—it’s part of what it means to follow Christ.” 

He also called attention to the ways in which Scripture is sometimes used to harm. “Many healing stories are what the working paper calls ‘texts of terror.’ They’ve been used to imply we need fixing, instead of celebrating the people God created us to be.”

Real Change Starts With Listening

Cowans believes the most urgent shift is one of mindset.

“The churches need to go beyond intention to implementation,” he said. “We must commit to practical accommodations, yes—but first, we need to believe deeply in the dignity of every human being.”

DeYoung emphasized the importance of visibility and access. “I know I’m welcome in a church when they’ve already thought about accessibility,” he said. “Whether it’s signage for assistive listening, large-print bulletins or ramps, it tells me: They expect me to be here.”

Both agree that events like the WCRC General Council can play a vital role in shifting the conversation globally.

“These gatherings are more than ceremonial,” Cowans said. “They’re an opportunity to shape policy, to change hearts and to model what true inclusion looks like.”

DeYoung added: “Don’t just talk about inclusion. Show it. Elect leaders with disabilities. Invite us to the table. Because without us, the body of Christ is incomplete.”

Call to Action

The WCRC is inviting its member churches to read the Disability Working Paper and submit responses by April 30. The goal is to gather insights, commitments and stories to inform the direction of the General Council and deepen the communion’s collective commitment to disability justice.

The full paper is available here. Please submit your feedback at gc2025@wcrc.eu.

“This is our moment,” Cowans said. “The church can be the example the world needs.”