When was the last time you participated in an academic conference on theology and disability in late August that was organized as a "summer camp" and that made you stay as the guest of a farm where people with developmental disabilities live and work? Never happened before? Well, here is your first time opportunity!
Over the past few years theologians, ethicists, and scientists from across Europe have been meeting together for a series of exciting and fruitful conversations revolving around issues of theology and disability. We now think it is about time to bring our work in this area together in order to enhance theological thinking and practical involvement in the effort to ensure the meaningful presence of people with disabilities within our communities. Therefore we propose to form a European Society for the Study of Theology and Disability. This organization, (ESSTD), will draw together the various branches of the field of 'disability theology,' in order to ensure that this vital dimension of human experience is taken seriously at all levels - theology, policy, practice, attitudes, ethics and values. The Society's provisional mission statement is as follows
The European Society for the Study of Theology and Disability seeks to stimulate and support theological reflection on the lives of people with disabilities and their families. It confesses that the Christian Church and its theology often have not used their valuable sources to support such people. It therefore seeks to include people with disabilities in its own activities. It believes that rigorous theological thinking has much to contribute positively to the understanding of social and cultural processes that currently shape their lives. It is particularly concerned with tendencies that target "disability" as a problem to be solved, and that approach it within the framework of liberal individualism and its obsession with consumer choice. The Society brings together people who are committed to support the increasing participation of people with disabilities in Christian communities and in society at large through their research and writing.
Conference Theme
Apart from an Inaugural Address by Hans Reinders, the conference program will consist of the presentation of submitted papers by delegates focusing on the particular theme of the conference: Disability, Church and Society. The primary focus for contributors will be on addressing the role of religious communities in enabling and supporting people with disabilities in their continuing struggle to achieve meaningful participation within society. Critical reflection on this central point is particularly timely and important given that our society is showing significant signs of disintegration and has substantial difficulties in integrating people from marginalized groups. The sociological literature - in particular from disability studies - shows consistently the continuing force of cultural mechanisms of exclusion. Against this background the question arises what people with disabilities may expect from religious communities.
Participants
The conference will bring together academics, ministers, church officials, and interested lay people. The language will be English. Wheelchair accessible accommodation is available; other needs, when timely known to the organizers, will be met within limits of financial resources.
Conference Location
We will be hosted by Scorlewald which is a community where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live and work in the tradition of Rudolf Steiner (akin to Camp hill communities). Scorlewald is located in Schoorl, a small village at the seaside in the North-western part of The Netherlands. Travel and transportation will be your own responsibility.
Dates
The conference will be held from Wednesday 29 till Friday 31 of August. Since we plan to do a lot of work while a tempting beach is in walking distance, we offer you a free stay after the conference on the campsite during the following Saturday and Sunday (1rst and 2nd of September) to relax and enjoy the seaside in good company.
More Information: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/cshad/documents/EuropeanSocietynotice.pdf