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The Church in Wales has launched a national consultation asking those with lived experience of disability to help shape a more accessible and inclusive church. Disabled people and carers across Wales are invited to share their experiences of church life so that churches can become more welcoming, accessible and inclusive.
The consultation is aimed especially at disabled people and people with long-term health conditions and mental health conditions. Others with lived experience such as parents and carers, and those with relevant professional experience are also encouraged to contribute.
The project is examining accessibility and participation across the life of the church, and will cover provision of information, policy, resources for local churches, worship and liturgy, accessibility improvements and funding, and how the church welcomes disabled people. The work is to be overseen by a Delivery Group, with a majority of disabled members drawn from all parts of Wales. The Church in Wales Governing Body supported the creation of a Disability Welcome Delivery Group in April 2026 to advise on increasing the welcome to and engagement of disabled people in the life of the Church. The project has been designed so that lived experience is central to its work. The appointed membership reflects a range of lived experience, caring responsibilities, professional expertise and experience of ministry, with representation from all six dioceses and a disabled majority.
The chair of the Delivery Group, Revd James Lawson says: "A genuinely welcoming Church is one in which disabled people are able not simply to enter the building, but to participate fully in its worship, ministry, and community life. This consultation is about listening. We want to hear honestly about what churches are doing well, where people continue to encounter barriers, and what needs to change. Most importantly, we want the experiences and ideas of disabled and neurodivergent people themselves to shape the recommendations we make. We would encourage anyone with experience, whether positive or negative, to share."
People can take part through a written online consultation or through online workshops. The consultation is not limited to people who regularly attend a Church in Wales church. The data received as a result of this consultation will help shape a future where accessibility is front and centre to the welcome that we give people as a Church.
How to take part
The consultation runs until the end of November 2026.
Participants will be able to:
- complete the written consultation online in either English or Welsh;
- request the consultation in an alternative format; and
- attend one or more online consultation workshops.
- Full details and consultation link:
For alternative formats or questions about taking part: disabilitywelcome@cinw.org.uk
