Disability experts meet for the Anglican Church

The Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia is planning a special meeting. This meeting is called the Anglican Disability Ministry Summit. It will happen from June 19 to June 21 this year.

What is the Summit?

The Summit is a three-day event where many experts about disability will meet. They will help the Church learn how to be more welcoming and inclusive to all people, especially those with disabilities.

Who will be there?

Important Anglican leaders will join the Summit. Some of these leaders are:

• Archbishop Justin Duckworth
• Archdeacon Mere Wallace
• Archbishop Phillip Richardson
• Lady Tureiti Moxon

Also, six special speakers who know a lot about disability will talk at the Summit. These speakers have personal experience or work in disability support. They will share ideas on how churches can be better places for people who:

• Are Deaf or Blind
• Have different ways of thinking and learning (called neurodiverse)
• Live with disabilities

What will the speakers share?

The speakers will tell stories and share research about:

• How to fully include people with disabilities in church and life
• Why full inclusion is important for human rights and fairness

Who are the six speakers?

1. David Loving-Molloy
   Helps Deaf and disabled people be part of the church.
2. Hilary Willett
   A church leader who has ADHD and wants all kinds of people to feel at home in churches.
3. Gray Ruffell
   Talks to schools about living with disability and works to make communities better.
4. Karen Plimmer
   Works with music and technology to help people with disabilities and works to get better support for disabled people.
5. Carolyn Tregea
   Is Deafblind, leads Bible study and shares ideas about disability and faith.
6. Prudence Walker
   Works for human rights, making sure all people are treated fairly.

What else will happen at the Summit?

• People can listen to talks and share their ideas
• There will be a special performance on Saturday night
• Everyone will be welcomed in a friendly and safe space
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How to join?

People can book their place for the Summit until June 5. The website to book is:
https://anglicandisability.org/events/2026/anglican-disability-summit-2026

The Disability Summit costs $800.

For more information, contact Rev Leo Te Kira, the Summit Coordinator.

Leo's email is: leo.in.napier@gmail.com