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Creating Churches Where Every Body
Belongs, Is Known and Loved
Imagine a church where everyone truly belongs, where no one is excluded because of disability.
At the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, this is not just our hope, it’s our commitment. We believe every person should be welcomed, known, loved, and able to participate fully in the life of the church.
Disability inclusion is not a separate program; it is part of our Gospel calling. Rooted in the belief that all people are made in the image of God, we are working to remove barriers and build communities where people with disability and their families can worship, serve, lead, and belong.
Through our Disability Action Plan, we’re turning this vision into reality by helping churches become places that are not only accessible, but deeply inclusive and life-giving.
Because when everyone is included, the whole church is transformed.
To bring our vision to life, the Diocese has developed a comprehensive Disability Action Plan (DAP). This plan offers a clear and practical roadmap for parishes, diocesan ministries, and leaders to create communities where every person can flourish.
The DAP focuses on six interconnected areas:
Creating spaces that welcome all.
We’re improving access to buildings, entrances, toilets, seating, and movement areas, so every church is easy to enter, navigate, and enjoy.
Making information available to all.
We ensure that communication, whether spoken, written, or digital, is accessible through plain and Easy English, large print, captions, Auslan, and other inclusive formats tailored to local church needs.
Designing spaces with sensitivity.
We’re introducing sensory-friendly areas to support people with sensory processing needs, neurodivergence, and other sensory-related disabilities.
Fostering churches where everyone has a place, a voice, and a role to play.
We are building safe, inclusive communities where mental health is supported, pastoral care is compassionate, and no one is left out because of disability.
We celebrate the truth that every person is a gift to the Body of Christ, with God-given abilities, perspectives, and callings. That’s why we encourage full participation in worship, leadership, discipleship, teaching, and service, not just presence, but meaningful involvement.
This also means recognising and supporting the vital contributions of families, carers, and support workers, who are essential partners in community life.
True belonging means being seen, heard, valued, and empowered to share your gifts.
Every Body Belongs Survey (Appendix 1)
A survey tool to listen to and learn from people with disability and their families.
Making Room – Accessibility Checklist (Appendix 2)
A practical checklist to help identify physical and social barriers in church spaces.
Building Access Standards Guide (Appendix 3)
A plain-English guide to Australian Standards, the Building Code, and WCAG 2.1.
Every Body Grows Review Tool (Appendix 4)
A reflection and review tool to help ministry teams assess inclusion and set goals.