Direct the Council of the General Synod to initiate a process across the Church for the dissemination and study, of the ten Tenets of Disability Theology, and to report back to the next meeting of the General Synod.

In 1994 seminal work by author Nancy Eiesland was provided in her book “The Disabled God”, which challenged and largely banished the discriminatory theology of the last many centuries. Disability Theology has become a vibrant and leading area of Christian thinking and action around the world.  DISABILITY THEOLOGY proclaims the following ten clarion tenets:

1. Imago Dei (Image of God):

All people, including disabled individuals, reflect God’s image. Disability is part of human diversity, not a flaw.

2. Rejection of the Sin-Disability Link:

Disability is not caused by sin or divine punishment. It is a natural part of life, not a spiritual failing.

3. Jesus and Disability:

Jesus’ interactions with disabled people focus on inclusion, dignity, and community rather than on fixing disability.

4. Healing vs. Wholeness:

True wholeness is not about curing disability but about love, inclusion, and full participation in the faith community.

5. Social Model of Disability:

Disability is not an individual problem but is created by societal barriers that exclude or marginalize disabled people.

6. The Role of the Church:

Churches should be places of radical hospitality, accessibility, and leadership opportunities for disabled people.

7. Suffering and Lament:

Suffering is acknowledged, but it does not define disabled lives. Lament provides a way to express pain while maintaining dignity.

8. Eschatology and Resurrection:

The assumption that disability will be ‘fixed’ in the afterlife is questioned. Resurrection may include diverse bodies.

9. Prophetic Witness: 

Disabled people bring unique theological insights and challenge injustices within the church and society.

10. Interdependence Over Independence:

Christian theology values interdependence, mutual care, and shared vulnerability over the modern ideal of self-sufficiency.

In the normal course, an ordinary motion must be passed by a majority of the members of General Synod present and voting together.

Six members of General Synod may, prior to the question being put, require a vote by Orders, with a majority of each Order being necessary to pass.

If a question passes on a Vote by Orders, any six members (two from each of three different dioceses) may immediately before the next item of business require a vote to be taken by dioceses. A motion passes if a majority (or a tie) of dioceses vote in favour.

Source: Sections 4 and 5 of the Declaration of Principles and sections 18, 19 and 20 of the Rules of Order and Procedure.