The Church in Wales launches consultation on church accessibility

Posted on: October 30, 2026 10:00 AM

Related Categories: Church of Wales, disability, Wales

The Church in Wales has launched a national consultation inviting disabled people and carers across Wales to help shape a more accessible and inclusive church.

The consultation seeks experiences of church life, particularly from disabled people and people with long-term health conditions and mental health conditions. Parents, carers and those with relevant professional experience are also encouraged to contribute. Participation is not limited to people who regularly attend a Church in Wales church.

The project will examine accessibility and participation across church life, including worship and liturgy, the provision of information, policy, resources for local churches, accessibility improvements and funding.

It will be overseen by the Disability Welcome Delivery Group, whose creation was supported by the Church in Wales Governing Body in April 2026. The group has a disabled majority and representation from all six dioceses, bringing together lived experience, caring responsibilities, professional expertise and experience of ministry.

The chair of the group, the Revd James Lawson, said: 'A genuinely welcoming Church is one in which disabled people are able not simply to enter the building, but to participate fully in its worship, ministry, and community life. This consultation is about listening. We want to hear honestly about what churches are doing well, where people continue to encounter barriers, and what needs to change.

'Most importantly, we want the experiences and ideas of disabled and neurodivergent people themselves to shape the recommendations we make. We would encourage anyone with experience, whether positive or negative, to share.'

Responses will help inform recommendations to improve the welcome and participation of disabled people in the life of the Church.

The consultation runs until the end of November 2026. Participants can complete a written consultation online in English or Welsh, request an alternative format or attend online consultation workshops.