Inklusive Kirche – Was heißt das eigentlich? Eine persönliche Spurensuche über Vielfalt, Ausgrenzung und geistliche Sehnsucht

Inclusive church – yes!
but what does that actually mean?

“How do you actually do inclusive church in Germany?”

that is what Jo asked me at Iona. We attended a workshop together: Women and Spirituality.

I stumbled over my English: "Yes, ... inclusive church ...so: we have wheelchair access to the churches, everyone, regardless of their disability, is welcome ..."

"No", she replied, "I mean, how do you do that with the inclusive church?"

I hesitated: "For the hearing-impaired, there are sometimes sign language interpreters ... and for those with poor eyesight, there are also hymn books with large print. There are special services and activities for and with people with disabilities to support their inclusion."

Jo looked at me, questioning – I wasn’t sure if I had really understood her.

"Yes", said Jo, "but disabled people aren't the only ones who are discriminated against."

Now I was confused:

What does inclusive church mean in Britain?

The inclusive church embraces all groups — people who have been excluded, marginalized, and made unimportant and irrelevant. These people and groups are explicitly welcomed; they are not merely tolerated or occasionally visible, but are consciously addressed, emerging from silence and exclusion.

Inclusive Church in the UK

Why Jo advocates for an inclusive church

When I asked Jo why she is so committed to a queer, inclusive church, Jo, an Anglican voice from the UK, shared with me her own convictions and her journey.

“Can I just be me?”

In this church, neither of them can.
The queer sheep must not be queer.
Jesus must not be Jewish, nor dark-skinned.

I long for a space, maybe even a church,
where everyone can simply be, without masks or fear.

We have now looked at the differences in the understanding of inclusive church between Germany and Great Britain. In many English-speaking countries—such as the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia—there are similar ideas of inclusive church as in Great Britain, which are often closely linked to the desire for social equality.

But why is inclusion important to Christians and to people with a spiritual, Christian background? Stephanie, a Presbyterian pastor from the USA, writes:

Why is inclusion important?

“As I think about what the Church is called to be in the world - the Body of Christ, a reflection of the Kingdom of God - I think it's crucial that the Church reflects the diversity of God's creation in all its activities, leadership, and ministries.

Inclusive church – that is where the Kingdom of God can be felt among us.

Inclusive church – yes!
but what does that actually mean?

“How do you actually do inclusive church in Germany?”

What does inclusive church mean in Britain?

What does inclusive church mean in Britain?

Why Jo advocates for an inclusive church

Why is inclusion important?

CONTACT:

and:

Inclusive church – yes! but what does that actually mean?

“How do you actually do inclusive church in Germany?”

What does inclusive church mean in Britain?

What does inclusive church mean in Britain?

Why Jo advocates for an inclusive church

Why is inclusion important?

CONTACT:

and:

Inclusive church – yes!
but what does that actually mean?