Join The Accessible Congregations Campaign, NCC Head Urges

            August 22, 2000, NEW YORK CITY – National Council of Churches General Secretary the Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar is encouraging congregations to join the Accessible Congregations Campaign, aimed at helping people with disabilities to be full and active participants in their congregations. 

Under the theme “Access: It Begins in the Heart,” the Accessible Congregations Campaign of the National Organization on Disability is seeking 2,000 congregations in the year 2000 that will commit to removing barriers to a full life of faith for clergy, members and visitors who have disabilities.  To date, more than 1,400 congregations have made that commitment. 

            “A congregation does not have to be perfect or totally barrier-free to be designated an Accessible Congregation,” Dr. Edgar noted.  “However, it does need to commit to identifying and removing barriers of architecture, communications and attitudes and to welcoming children and adults with disabilities to worship, study, service and leadership. 

            “The NCC supports this campaign and I want us to do all we can to make it a success,” Dr. Edgar said.  “The key word in the campaign is ‘commitment.’” 

            For more information, visit the National Organization on Disability Web site at www.nod.org/acctallies.html, or phone or e-mail Ginny Thornburgh or Lorraine Thal at the NOD Religion and Disability Program (202-293-5960) / religion@nod.org.

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