Prayer of Confession for Ableism

Creator God,

In the beginning you created and you called everything “good.” You made each of us in your own image with beautiful bodies and Spirit-filled souls. Made in your image, each of us belongs to you. Made in your image, each of us belongs to one another. Made in your image, each of us belongs to your church.

God, we lament the many ways we have perpetuated ableism in our lives, our institutions, and in our churches. We have excluded essential parts of the body of Christ, sometimes out of ease or comfort, and sometimes because we have not learned or listened. We grieve that our churches are safe and accessible for some, but not for all.

We lament that those with disabilities are under-represented, and that many feel marginalized and unwelcome. We have built structures and programs that are not accessible to all. We stigmatize accommodations. We forget that some disabilities are more public, and some are very private. We grieve that our churches are welcoming and equipped for some, but not for all.

God we lament that for too long, many of us have been unaware of the effects of ableism in your church. We confess the harm these attitudes and actions have caused.

We need your Holy Spirit to come among us and work in our hearts. Convict us where we have fallen short, encourage us to listen well, and lead us to make changes that better reflect the beautiful diversity of your church. We long to be your beloved church, for your beloved children.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Written by Pastor Katie Ritsema Roelofsa, a commissioned pastor and worship consultant for Thrive, an Agency of the Christian Reformed Church in North America