As vicars urge the Church, they tell it that telling worshippers “all stand” or “all kneel” is not fair to the disabled.
Following a General Synod vote, the Church of England was told that they should consider revising their prayer books in order to be more inclusive of congregations.
After being asked by Synod, Rev Canon Timothy Goode from Southwark suggested that the Church’remove some of the obstacles which disable people, clergy or lay’ in order to continue modern-day advancements.
The Telegraph reports that the actions required further research into how many disabled clergy are involved to promote progress and to remove rubrics asking worshippers not to “all stand”.
As vicars urge the Church, they tell it that telling worshippers “all stand” or “all kneel” in church is not fair to the handicapped.
In a reply to suggestions made during the debate at York’s Synod chamber, Robert Atwell, Bishop of Exeter said that editing the prayer books would be a nightmare and it would take hours to amend them.
His suggestion was to make the worshippers feel included by using inclusive language throughout the service.
He stated that there was already some flexibility when it comes to the meaning of rubrics that require posture. For example, the Prayer Book requires that one kneels at Holy Communion.
Rev Canon Goode filed a written motion asking for the Faith and Order Commission and Liturgical Commission’s consideration on how the liturgies can be made more inclusive of disabled persons.
MailOnline spoke with Andrea Williams (CEO of Christian Concern): ‘Are you becoming so fearful, sensitive that you are ready to throw away words and traditions which were always properly understood within their contexts?
Southwark’s Rev Canon Timothy Goode suggested that the Church’remove some of the obstacles which disable people (clergy and lay)’.
These words and actions are meant to be a sign of respect and tradition at a Christian service. This is not discrimination on the basis of disability. They will accommodate.
“For hundreds of years, people have known this. All members of the service respect those who are physically or mentally disabled.
Following the debate, the vote was adopted to take up the motion. The matter will be reexamined at a later time.
The Synod ended today with the following tweets from the Church: “Business is concluded. Synod has been duly prorogued and concludes in prayer. It will be back in Westminster on 6-14 February 2023.