I couldn't find the job description posted on the Joni and Friends website, but I'm sure that you could contact them via their contact page if you were interested. Here is the basic info:
Managing Director, Christian Institute on Disability
Qualifications: A strong and vibrant relationship with Jesus
Christ and an unwavering commitment to evangelism and the mission
statement of Joni and Friends. Demonstrated ability to understand a
vision and creatively interpret it into a functioning operational plan
through team building and the use of integrated management with other
Directors and department heads. Must possess strong interpersonal and
networking capabilities. A Doctoral or other advanced degree in the
field of Christian Academia is greatly preferred. Strong written and
oral communication skills are a must in addition to experience in both
developing and communicating curriculum and policy in domestic and
international arenas.
This story does not necessarily reflect any kind of official policy of the Catholic Church, but a local Bishop's decision on whether or not a boy with autism can partake of Communion in an unconventional way.
The issue is that the boy will not swallow any portion of the host which must be consumed before the recipient leaves the area of reception. The article explains different perspectives on the problem from different groups as indicated by this paragraph:
"How terrible, how difficult for the family," said Denise Resnik, board chairwoman for the Southwest Autism Research Center and the mother of a boy who is dealing with autism. "We often seek comfort in our religion, and it would be nice to think the church would support them to the best degree possible." Diocese officials said they are doing their best to accommodate Matthew's needs, including hosts that are thinner than the norm, thicker, even smaller. Moran says none of the hosts has worked. Matthew will not swallow even a tiny crumb of the host or a drop of wine with any regularity, frequently spitting them out, he said.
The Religion and Disability Studies Group of the American Academy of Religion has issued a call for papers for their annual meeting in Washington DC in November of this year. If you have an idea, you better get it ready fast, the deadline is March 1st. What they are looking for:
We invite papers that examine relationships between religion, disability, and concepts of the other, particularly emphasizing ways in which this otherness relates to understandings of community. Topics may include hospitality, borderlands, images of the wayfarer or traveler, construction of community, distinctions between guest/host/stranger, new vantage points, communal versus individual journeys, values of creativity or beauty, the role of invitation or love, the importance of struggle, and eschatological images. We also invite proposals that focus on deaf churches and deaf culture, particularly those that highlight the significance of the Washington, D.C., area.
How a Crippling Disease Produced a Compassionate Minister
News article about the Rev. Emily Richards as the new assistant Rector at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Ridgefield, CT. Provides a good look at how she felt her disability "helped her become the compassionate minister she is today."
The article starts out with this great quote from Emily:
I told the vestry when I interviewed that I was looking for accessible people, not accessible buildings...
Whether you’re an individual with developmental disabilities looking for religious resources, a family who desires daily devotional time together, or a staff person leading devotions in a direct support setting, the "Reflections" devotions are designed for you.
A few days late, but worth a read the 12 Days of Disability Christmas from the Ouch! Disability Magazine offers a humorous take on Christmas and the world of disability that may cause you to think a little differently about some classic Christmas reads. from the list:
.. think of Santa Claus. But remember, as you prepare to tuck into your plum pudding, that this seemingly nice hirsute chap who struggles down your (inaccessible) chimney is none other than the ultimate exploiter of short people.
I've collected a few links since I posted last, here you go:
Welcoming All into Faith's Fold (login required) "But what do we do with those other congregations that choose to make no effort to welcome people who are different?"
Faithability has recently taken on a new look- something a little more professional. I chose an acorn for the logo- symbolic of faith being like a seed, hopefully a symbol that is not specific to any one religion, but representative of the growth that occurs through spirituality.
In other news, I received the latest copy of the Journal of Religion, Disability and Health today with what looks like some great articles on End-of-Life issues and persons with disabilities.
LiveJournal No Pity Journal pointed me to a a great site from MTV on disability. From there I found a link to some online Implicit Association Tests, including one on disability. An Implicit Association Test is a way of helping people identify prejudices and associations that they may not be aware of in themselves. Each test takes under 10 minutes- it is a worthwhile experience to take one and see what it says about you, especially if you're absolutely positive that you are completely free of bias- you might be surprised.
