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Characteristics of Inclusive Faith Communities: A Preliminary Survey of Inclusive Practices in the United States
Author(s) -
Griffin Megan M.,
Kane Lydia W.,
Taylor Courtney,
Francis Susan H.,
Hodapp Robert M.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3148.2011.00675.x
Subject(s) - faith , inclusion (mineral) , social justice , economic justice , psychology , social psychology , sociology , political science , criminology , law , philosophy , theology
Background Although participation in faith communities is important to many individuals with disabilities, few studies have examined differences between communities that are more (versus less) inclusive. This study investigated characteristics of faith communities in the United States related to greater inclusion. Methods Participants were 160 respondents to an anonymous survey about inclusion. Survey items grouped together to form three inclusion‐related outcomes: the degree to which faith communities welcome and include individuals with disabilities; the roles and contributions of congregants with disabilities; and physical accessibility. Results Across these outcomes, more inclusive communities (i) featured faith leaders who were more committed to inclusion; (ii) used educational resources to address disability‐related issues; (iii) portrayed people with disabilities positively in their religious teachings; (iv) had stronger ties to disability organizations; and (v) had a stronger orientation towards promoting social justice. Conclusions These five characteristics have important implications for promoting inclusion in faith communities.