The Anglican Church of Burundi and Friends Church in Burundi in partnership with World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network and the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission have embarked on a three-year journey of mainstreaming disability in their development programs. This journey, aiming to improve the livelihoods of persons with disabilities in Burundi, began with the launch of a project entitled "Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Church Development Programs in Burundi" held on 27 February in Bujumbura.
"Let us do what God has called us to do and that is to be in solidarity with persons with disabilities. Let us start with whatever we have in our hands to ensure that this project becomes a reality," said Rev. Aloys Ningabira, Friends Church in Burundi legal representative.
The World Council of Churches is an ecumenical partner supported by the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment, which enables United Methodists to share a presence and a voice in the activities of several national and worldwide ecumenical organizations.
Prior to the launch, the clergy and development workers representing these two churches were taken through a two-day awareness raising training on disability and development to prepare them for the implementation of the project. This involved being introduced to various disability laws and policies in Burundi, World Health Organisation community-based rehabilitation, United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Sustainable Development Goals as well as the WCC Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network Disability inclusion guidelines. These documents will guide the implementation of the project.
World Council of Churches website
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund enables United Methodists to share a presence and a voice in the activities of several national and worldwide ecumenical organizations. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
