Widening the Welcome: Inclusion for All

About Widening the Welcome

(Matthew 10:40) “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”

“We need this in the United Church of Christ.”

That’s what J. Bennett Guess, Executive Minister for Local Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ said as he was describing The widening and deepening movement of Widening the Welcome at the 2011 conference hosted by the UCC Mental Illness Network and the UCC Disabilities Ministries from September 29-October 1, 2011. People came from across the nation to continue the discussion about, within the framework of worship, the theological and practical issues of inclusivity of all persons who are affected by brain disorders/mental illnesses and/or disabilities.

We are committed to helping Congregations live out God's call to be welcoming communities. Welcome embraces the involvement of everyone, including people who have been touched by or have experienced a mental illness/brain disorder and/or a disability, apparent or unapparent.

National statistics indicate that at least one out of four families are in some way affected by these experiences. This is true in our congregations

Through Widening the Welcome resources and events we work to

  • Educate about mental illnesses/brain disorders and disabilities;
  • Learn how to develop Mental Health Ministries and A2A (Accessible to All) Covenants in your congregation;
  • Share best practices by telling stories, learning from each other,and networking; and
  • Offer spiritual support group experiences and worship together.