Whereas, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD, 2006) has been fundamental in affirming the rights of Persons with Disabilities, the purpose of the UNCRPD being “to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities (PWDs), and to promote respect for their inherent dignity”;1
Whereas, the previous resolution on disability particularly the “Resolution of Support to the Cause of the Handicapped as Part of God’s People,” issued on 31 July 1980, does not apply to the present context, specifically the calls of persons with disabilities;
Whereas, there is a need for the National Council of Churches in the Philippines to formulate a policy and strategy to mainstream disability inclusion across its programs and among its member churches based on a rights-based approach to disability;
Be it resolved, therefore, as it is hereby resolved, that we update the NCCP statement, “The Disabled and the Church,” through an ecumenical consultation composed of our constituents and especially those who are persons with disabilities, and ecumenical partners, reflecting on the present situation of persons with disabilities, their rights and responsibilities, and their capacities and aspirations.
Resolved further, that a guideline to mainstream disability inclusion will be produced, shared in discussions, and implemented with member churches, associate members, and ecumenical partners.
[1] United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Article 1 https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities/article-1-purpose.html
*This resolution was approved unanimously by the delegates of the 26th General Convention of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines on November 24, 2023.
