Education and Inclusive Congregations: A Study of Three Congregations

Abstract

This exploratory qualitative research project on inclusive congregations highlights findings from three churches. Each congregation has educated children with developmental disabilities for more than 40 years. Two congregations began by providing separate or exclusive education classes, while one congregation included children with developmental disabilities into regular classes from the beginning. All three congregations are currently inclusive of people with developmental disabilities, both children and adults, in the education programs and life of their congregation. This article describes the three congregations and their educational commitments. Finally, the author contemplates, amid the complexity of congregational culture, how including people with developmental disabilities in religious education contributed to the creation of an inclusive congregation.