10/15/2026
When her son, who has autism, was encouraged to leave a lessons-and-carols service, Sunita Theiss found herself in tears as she hustled out of the sanctuary.
“The group of women setting up refreshments rushed over and reassured me that our family was always welcome. One of them took my son’s hand and offered him a large piece of cake.
The next day, our pastor texted me to let me know he’d heard what had happened and was sorry we had experienced that. He reiterated that our family was always welcome.
Unfortunately, this kind gesture isn’t typical for many families like ours,” she wrote in 2024.
“We often overlook the need for churches to better welcome and include adults and children with disabilities in all areas of church life.
Inclusion begins with recognizing that every person, regardless of ability, is created in the image of God and has gifts to offer the church community.
Rather than viewing individuals with disabilities as needing charity, we are called to recognize their full humanity and the ways they contribute to our collective worship.”
https://chrst.today/4vk7BMC
