FCCV | ACKNOWLEDGMENT | International Day of People with Disability | 3 December 2016

[Edited extract from public address]

Statement concerning People with Disability on 13 November 2016

As representatives of many religious traditions and different faiths, we stand together in affirming all people have gifts and contributions enlivening and strengthening the community to which they belong. We seek to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunity to participate in the faith community of their choice.

The Council recognises the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (2006) which states discrimination should not occur on the basis of religion amongst other factors. Furthermore, the Australian Disability Discrimination Act 1992, (DDA) makes it unlawful to discriminate against people on the basis of disability.

For people with disabilities, their families and carers, participation and belonging have at times been problematic because of a range of architectural, cultural and theological factors.

People with disabilities request the following from faith communities:

1. their physical and sensory needs are addressed in order to be present at times of worship and social activity
2. they experience a sense of unconditional welcome and belonging and are not treated differently on account of disability and
3. they be consulted as to their particular participation in the life of their faith community.

Across the state, the Faith Communities Council of Victoria shares the call that faith communities and faith leaders play their part in ensuring that people marginalised by disability experience a sense of welcome and social inclusion, based on the principles of justice, equality and love.

Faith Communities Council of Victoria is comprised of the following peak bodies:
Baha'i Community of Victoria, Brahma Kumaris Australia, Buddhist Council of Victoria, Hindu Council of Australia (Vic), Islamic Council of Victoria, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria and Victorian Council of Churches.

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MORE:
Faith Communities Council of Victoria
Mr Sandy Kouroupidis, Multifaith Officer
Mobile: 0412 670 369
Email: officer@faithvictoria.org.au

For more information on Disability and Inclusion in Faith Communities read the following article ‘To belong, I need to be missed’ (also available in Easy English)