Friday evening, delegates to the 2023 ELCIC Special Convention voted unanimously to adopt the report and recommendations of the Task Force Addressing Ableism.
The motion came moved and seconded by the ELCIC’s National Church Council. The report in its entirety can be found in Appendix 16 of the Bulletin of Reports (https://elcic.box.com/s/hxc8vn3bfj6b0bjk95ha2a2hiboy9xa9).
Prior to the motion being before delegates, the task force had an opportunity to introduce the members of the task force and its work, time for question and answers, and table conversation.
Recommendations that were passed with the motion include:
- That the ELCIC implement ongoing certified accessibility and ableism training for national staff, National Church Council, and national committees. Curriculum should address privilege, power structures, and movement towards more equitable representation at ELCIC decision making and governance tables. Training should happen at least every three years.
- That Synods, Seminaries, and Schools that all rostered leaders, Synod Councils, Synod Committees, Board members, employees, candidates for ordination and students participate in ongoing certified accessibility and ableism training at least every three years.
- Accessibility and ableism training for congregational councils, committees, leaders, and all employees of the local congregations. Encourage critical conversation and intentional formation on how faith communities can better confront ableism at the congregational level.
- That the work of this task force continue for (at least) another three years with for an expanded community of ELCIC members with lived experiences of disability and allies committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion the opportunity to serve.
- That the national office provide for staffing with dedicated responsibility for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Throughout the 2023 ELCIC Special Convention, delegates will hear from four task forces, all which were formed out of convention action at the 2019 ELCIC National Convention.
