Beloved as We Are (Building a Congregational Culture of Disability Inclusion)

A powerful and much-needed collection that blends personal stories and resources to help members of liberal religious congregations foster accessible and inclusive communities for disabled people.

In Beloved as We Are, community minister and mental health advocate Barbara F. Meyers and disability justice activist Shelly Rohe invite members of liberal religious congregations into the ongoing work of creating accessible and inclusive communities for disabled people and their loved ones. The book brings to the forefront the experiences of disabled people in Unitarian Universalist communities through personal stories, revealing both moments of healing and belonging and the emotional and spiritual harm caused by exclusion, insufficient accommodations, and ableism.

Recognizing the wide spectrum of disability, including non-apparent and progressive conditions, Meyers and Rohe equip readers to move beyond good intentions. They include a detailed history of disability within Unitarian Universalism and resources about disabled identities, ableist language, disability justice, and more. They provide practical tools for congregations to assess their own communities and identify priorities for change. Meyers and Rohe encourage proactive, accountable allyship, noting that accommodation and inclusion are not just about physical or technological changes, but leadership opportunities, social engagement, pastoral care, and representation.

Every congregation has work to do around ableism and this work is never finished. Beloved as We Are offers both a call and a companion for communities committed to living their values more fully.