A More Able Church

Let us build a house
Where love can dwell
And all can safely live
A place where
Saints and children tell
How hearts learn to forgive
Built of hopes and dreams and visions
Rock of faith and vault of grace
Here the love of Christ shall end divisions
All are welcome, all are welcome
All are welcome in this place*

What would the church look like if we truly welcomed all to come as they are? If we enabled everyone, whatever their differences or needs, to be present, to participate, and to belong?

A More Able Church is the synod’s programme of events, support and resources, working towards that vision of an open, inclusive church where all are welcome to be, to contribute, and to lead.

On this page you will find a range of resources and links that will help your church on this journey. This page will be updated as we learn more and have more to share. If you are aware of a useful resource that isn’t listed, please get in touch and let us know.

A More Able Church discussion groups

We are currently hosting a series of online discussion groups, each focussing on a different area of disability. At each session one or more people with lived experience or other expertise in that area shares their story, followed by time for questions, discussion, and knowledge sharing.

Next session

Wednesday 24th September 2025

A More Able Church Webinar on the theme of:

Autism

This session will be led by Rachel Hazlewood. Rachel is a late diagnosed autistic woman, a member of Beulah URC, Rhiwbina in north Cardiff and works for the National Neurodivergence Team. She is committed to working towards a more inclusive Wales and says that by better understanding each other’s differences we help improve everyone’s lives and create a happier, more cohesive society.

In this session we will discover what autism is – and isn’t, as well as exploring the importance of identity and community and the role we can all play in building a more inclusive society.

The Webinar is open to all – so please do come along and invite others.

Please contact the Training and Development Officer for further details and to register for the Zoom link. 

We look forward to meeting you.

Catch up with previous sessions

An Introduction

An introduction to, and discussion about, the United Reformed Church National Synod of Wales’ initiative to develop our accessibility for all peoples.

Faithful Perception

Sight loss and church. Verena Walder, the Local Church Leader from Tabernacle URC in Mumbles, speaks from her own lived experience of sight loss and her involvement with the Torch Trust.

Gracious Hearing – Active Listening

Local church life and hearing loss. Adella Pritchard, CRCW for the Swansea Region of churches, speaks from her own lived experience of having a hearing impairment and tinnitus. 

Holy Headspace

Kate Wolsey, Transitional Minister for Pembrokeshire, and Julie Kirby, Minister to the Brecon Beacons pastorate, share thoughts and about neurodiversity, from a place of working with young people, and living with unseen and misunderstood abilities.

Through the Roof

Through the Roof is a charity that exists to transform lives through Jesus with disabled people. Their ethos recognises that every person is made in the image of God and has inherent value and worth, which includes people who have personal experience of disability.

Physical Disability – Costly Inclusion

Revd Lee Liddell speaks of her own experience of coming to terms with disability in her early twenties, and the surprising impact it has had on her faith. 

Dementia – welcoming all in God’s name

Revd Dr Kathryn Price has experience of leading churches to becoming dementia-friendly and currently works with groups at Theatr Clwyd for people with memory-loss and their carers. In this session we consider the different aspects of dementia and consider how we can respond to the needs of those with this diagnosis and their carers.

 

 

Useful links and resources

General

Communication

Faithful Perception – sight loss and visual impairment

Gracious Hearing Active Listening – hearing loss

Holy Headspace – Neurodiversity

Dementia – welcoming all in God’s name

*Let us build a house where love can dwell by Marty Haugen