By Atlantic Reports

The Engraced Ones, a non-governmental organisation, has urged churches to welcome children and adults with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities and provide the support they need to participate in worship and church activities.

The organisation made the call on Saturday at the 2026 Inclusive Church Conference in Abuja, themed “Every Soul Matters: Building Churches Where Everyone Belongs”.

The conference was organised in collaboration with the Leprosy Mission Nigeria, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Inclusive Friends, CBM and other partners.

Inclusion Beyond the Welcome

The convener, Mrs Bibora Yinkere, said churches should combine spiritual support with practical measures, including support for inclusive education, access to therapy and advocacy for persons with disabilities and their families.

“The church must welcome, care for, and advocate for PWDs and their families providing spiritual support and practical inclusion,” she said.

Her appeal placed emphasis on participation, requiring churches to consider how their programmes and teaching methods accommodate different needs.

Mrs Gbemisola Alade, a parent of a child with additional support needs, highlighted the importance of identifying developmental difficulties early so children could receive appropriate interventions and assistance.

Training Children’s Ministry Workers

Mrs Ruth Nyam, representing Child Evangelism Fellowship, urged churches to train children’s ministry workers, adapt teaching methods and develop programmes that enable children with disabilities to take part.

She also encouraged parents and caregivers to recognise children’s achievements, including progress that might appear small, as a way to build confidence and uphold dignity.

The recommendations focused on making inclusion part of everyday church practice, particularly in children’s activities.

Ministry Beyond Church Buildings

Pastor Pius Ogbu, Head of Programmes and Operations at the Leprosy Mission Nigeria, called on Christians to extend their ministry beyond church buildings and engage with people across different areas of life.

Citing Mark 16:15, he said responsibility for sharing the gospel extended to every believer, regardless of position or area of service.

The conference discussed autism, Down syndrome, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and cerebral palsy, calling for greater understanding of these distinct conditions and the support individuals and families may require.

The central call was for churches to translate welcome into practical participation through trained workers, responsive programmes and sustained support for families.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.