S3E25 Unseen Illness and Disability, with Dr Penny Pullan

In this episode of the Roots for Churches podcast, Melanie Cave speaks with Dr Penny Pullan about the challenges faced by individuals with hidden illnesses, particularly in the context of church engagement. They discuss the fluctuating nature of chronic illnesses, the impact of church culture on inclusion, and the importance of leadership in fostering a supportive environment.

Penny shares insights from her research on how churches can better support those with unseen illnesses and create a culture of belonging. The conversation emphasizes the need for practical steps that church leaders can take to ensure that all members feel valued and included, regardless of their health status.

 

Takeaways

Hidden illnesses are often misunderstood and overlooked in church settings.

Fluctuating conditions make it difficult for individuals to participate consistently in church activities.

Research shows that many people with chronic illnesses feel they do not belong in their church communities.

Church rotas can be particularly challenging for those with invisible illnesses.

Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive church environment.

Many individuals feel valued for what they do, not who they are.

Church harms can be physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual for those with chronic illnesses.

Online church services can provide a level playing field for participation.

Creating a culture of belonging requires intentional effort from church leaders.

Practical steps can be taken to improve inclusion for those with unseen illnesses.

 

Sound Bites

'I have disappeared.'

'To belong, you need to be missed.'

'We need to transform culture.'

 

Keywords

hidden illnesses, chronic illness, church support, inclusion, community, long COVID, ME, church leadership, belonging, research insights

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hidden Disabilities

03:16 Understanding Unseen Illnesses

06:03 The Fluctuating Nature of Illness

08:37 Researching Unseen Illnesses

11:33 Themes from Research Findings

14:07 Challenges Faced by Individuals with Unseen Illnesses

16:46 The Impact of Church on Individuals with Illnesses

23:03 Raising Awareness of Invisible Illnesses

23:41 Experiences of Exclusion and Stereotyping

24:43 The Impact of Abandonment in Community

26:54 The Role of Leadership in Inclusion

29:01 Creating a Culture of Belonging

30:33 The Importance of Presence and Contribution

31:57 Positive Changes Through Online Engagement

33:13 Leadership and Flexibility in Worship

35:18 Bridging the Gap Between Theology and Practice

36:36 Action Steps for Church Leaders

41:35 Small Steps Towards Inclusion

43:17 Resources for Further Learning

45:15 Embracing Diversity in Faith

46:12 Resources for Inclusive Church Leadership

 

Show notes

• www.rootsforchurches.com
• Ethics of inclusion study
• Roots podcast: Disability language and theology, with Rev Katie Tupling
• Miroslav Volf: Exclusion and Embrace 
• John Swinton: Disability & inclusion
• Naomi Lawson Jacobs & Emily Richardson: At the Gates: Disability, Justice and the Churches
• Braun and Clarke: An Approach to Thematic Analysis
• The ME Association