AOCM

Disability, illness and priesthood…

In 2005 the Church undertook a survey of clergy with disabilities; 100 people responded of whom 45.2% were registered disabled before training, 8% became disabled during training, and 46.8% became disabled after ordination. The most common form of impairment was “Walking and Mobility” (43.55% of the sample) followed by “Hearing” (19.35% of the sample). “Depression” is the least common impairment with only 1.61% of the sample affected.

(www.cofe.org/lifeevents/ministry/workofmindiv/cmddp/survey)

The report led to agreement in Synod that all Dioceses should appoint a lead person on disability and that expertise about reasonable adjustment of premises should be available to all DACs and parsonage boards. However, the perception remains that the church’s duties towards people with disabilities is to those in the pews rather than those in ordained ministry. Ordinands and candidates for ministry are entitled to support and reasonable adjustment under non-employment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act, particularly duties on education providers which include theological colleges and non-residential courses.

Some problems that have arisen:

Dyslexia - assessment and training… If you are registered on an accredited course as part of your training, the course provider should provide an assessment under the Disability Discrimination Act – and make reasonable provision for you to manage your dyslexia during the course. If you are doing a non-accredited course then it is the provider of the course – which could be your Diocese and/or your institution/non-residential course that is responsible. If you do have Dyslexia it is a disability for which you are entitled to apply to your Local Education Authority for Disabled Students Assistance.

Refusal of stipendiary ministry due to disability and fears about pension provision – disability is not a bar to stipendiary ministry and pension cover can be obtained. A notable example is the vicar of Baghdad, Andrew White, who has MS.

Medical information when seeking title posts – if you have a disability check whether the Diocese in which you are seeking title need a medical report. If they do the onus is on the Diocese to write to your GP, stating why the report is required and pay any fee requested.

Access – ramps, loop systems, large print publications, signage and accommodation should all be reviewed and reasonable adjustment made to enable access to ordinands with disabilities.

Finances – Disability benefits like Disability Living Allowance are available in addition to other sources of income and are not means-tested. Finance and resources to assist access with your course should also be available under the Disability Discrimination Act. See also www.adviceguide.org.uk the website of Citizens Advice Bureau, with links to online forms and information about partners and children with disabilities

Department of Work and Pensions:
Tel: 08457 123 456 Textphone: 08457 224 433
www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevents/benefits/dcs/contact; DCPU.customer-services@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

Ministry Division contact information:
Hodge, Mark (Dr), Grants Officer, Tel: 020 7898 1396 mark.hodge@c-of-e.org.uk
Maddock, Philip (Revd), Adviser for Ministry of and among deaf and disabled people Tel: 01543 306085 philip.maddock@c-of-e.org.uk
Mann, David (Revd), Selection Secretary/National Adviser for Pre Theology Tel: 020 7898 1593 david.mann@c-of-e.org.uk

Other Contacts and Numbers:
www.cofe.org/lifeevents/ministry/workofmindiv