In a landmark address delivered at the opening of the Disability Inclusion and Church Leadership Engagement Convening General Forum in Suva on 10 November 2025, the Reverend Sepiuta Hala'api'api, General Secretary of the Fiji Council of Churches and Deputy Moderator of the Pacific Conference of Churches, called on church leaders to embrace disability inclusion as a theological and practical imperative.
Speaking to an audience of faith leaders, disability advocates, and community organisers, Rev Sepiuta emphasized that “disabled people are not to be pitied or patronised but embraced as full members of the Body of Christ.”
Drawing from Scripture, she highlighted the story of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 4), underscoring the biblical model of interdependence in ministry.“We are not divided into people who help and people who need help,” she said.
“We are all called to serve and be served. Together, we are stronger.”Rev Sepiuta shared insights from the 2025 Council for Anglican Women’s Studies Hui in Aotearoa New Zealand, where inclusive practices such as braille-based activities and leadership by Rev Vicki Terrell, Anglican priest and three-tikanga disability ministry educator with a speech impairment - demonstrating how churches can model accessibility and belonging.The address also highlighted theological developments within the understanding of disability and ministry in the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, which affirms that:-
- Disability is part of the human experience.
- Disabled people bear the image of God.
- Full inclusion is essential to becoming the Body of Christ.
Churches across the Pacific are already taking steps toward inclusion. The Methodist Church in Fiji adopted disability-inclusive disaster management policies in 2024, while the Anglican Church's Diocese of Polynesia has designated the third Sunday in June as Disability Awareness Sunday, encouraging congregations to reflect on faith, inclusion, and shared ministry.
The Fiji Council of Churches and the Pacific Disability Forum have committed to ongoing collaboration on disability awareness and inclusive church policies, with a shared vision of making worship spaces and church life more accessible and affirming for all.
“Let us listen, discern, and value the Talanoa that will be held,”
Reverend Hala'api'api urged. “As we continue to be inclusive in our ministry, may we reflect the love and hospitality of Christ.