Welcome and Justice for Persons with Disabilities (1998)

Welcome and Justice for Persons with Disabilities: A Framework of Access and Inclusion, Statement of the United States Catholic Bishops. 

The U.S. Catholic Bishops reaffirm the Church’s commitment to justice, dignity, and inclusion for persons with disabilities. Building on earlier statements (1978, 1995), this document outlines ten guiding principles for ensuring full participation in the life of the Church and broader society.

The bishops encourage:

• Study of foundational Vatican and USCCB documents.
• Diocesan and parish action to ensure “the power of salvation may be shared by all.”

Key Principles

1. One Church, One Flock

• There is no separate Church for persons with disabilities; all belong fully to the Body of Christ.

2. Human Dignity and Diversity

• All people are created in God’s image.
• Recognizing variations in ability promotes unity and reduces discrimination.

3. Culture of Life

• The Church strongly opposes discriminatory attitudes toward disability.
• Rejects abortion, medical rationing, and euthanasia related to disability.

4. Rights and Social Inclusion

Defending the right to life includes defending rights to:

• Education
• Employment
• Housing
• Health care
• Access to public facilities and services

5. Accessible Worship and Catechesis

• Liturgy and faith formation must be accessible and allow participation to each person’s capacity.

6. Open Parish Doors

• Pastors and laity share responsibility for welcoming persons with disabilities.
• Cost must never be a barrier to accessibility in parish life.

7. Gifts and Participation

• Persons with disabilities contribute to the Church’s spiritual life.
• They should be encouraged to serve according to their talents.

8. Vocations

Qualified individuals with disabilities are welcome in:

• Ordination
• Consecrated life
• Professional ministry

9. Pastoral Support for Families

• Families often feel unprepared.
• Parishes must offer support, information, and welcome to families and children with disabilities.

10. Evangelization

• Evangelization is strongest when dioceses and parishes include people with disabilities in planning and leadership.
• Where initiatives do not exist, they should be developed.

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