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I was asked to take down a message

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Summer_Twilight
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18 May 2021, 1:05 pm

Though I attend a good congregation and there, I recognize there are stigma there and a lot of times I feel like and outsider next to feeling invisible there. On top of that, I have been called names like "Crazy" or "Weird" so many times that have gotten to the point that my guard is always up. I am always scared that people are talking about and judging me because autism has become so stigmatized.

Yesterday left in tears, and though I talked to someone about my concerns, I also posted a message to one of their platforms about the exclusion of people who are different in the church type settings and how they are just as equal. I got a message today from that person who I have been corresponding with. She said that they leaders thought it was too negative and it was just other positive updates and words of encouragement. Though I did what they wanted, I don't agree with what they are doing and I don't think they get it when it comes to things like disability stigma because I don't think they are aware.



kitesandtrainsandcats
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18 May 2021, 1:33 pm

Oh dear. So sorry that happened.

What you write about is a thing; and, I've run in to similar.

While this article is about children and you and I are a long time past being children, the article shows it is a thing at least recognized by some people,

Study: US Churches Exclude Children with Autism, ADD/ADHD
Children with the greatest need for a supportive community were the most likely to feel unwelcome.
David Briggs|July 20, 2018
https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2018/july-web-only/study-us-churches-exclude-children-with-autism-addadhd.html

And then, about we adults, who seem to often be forgotten in favor of the autistic children,

‘Different, not less’: pastoral care of autistic adults within Christian churches
Erin R. Burnett
Published online: 10 Dec 2020
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1756073X.2020.1850402

Quote:
There is a considerable gap in the literature regarding how churches should provide pastoral care for autistic adults, as most resources only focus on children; therefore, this paper endeavours to begin to fill the gap by listening to the experiences of autistic adults and synthesising their experience with relevant academic literature. Churches have a duty to follow the example of Christ, who took on human form and came alongside those who were ostracised from normative society, inviting them into the kingdom of God. In order to assist faith communities in fulfilling this calling, the study will produce a list of concrete, feasible and theologically justified actions that churches can implement with the aim of making churches more accessible for autistic adults.


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Fnord
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18 May 2021, 2:14 pm

Summer_Twilight wrote:
... I also posted a message to one of their platforms about the exclusion of people who are different in the church type settings and how they are just as equal [...] the leaders thought it was too negative and it was just other positive updates and words of encouragement. Though I did what they wanted, I don't agree with what they are doing and I don't think they get it when it comes to things like disability stigma because I don't think they are aware.
Some church leaders want only positive images for their churches.  You can see this proven out by televised church services that show only happy, attentive people waving their hands and shouting praises.  You will almost never see a sad person, or a person in a wheelchair or on crutches during a televised church service.

This may be based on the false belief that disabilities (and signs of depression) imply moral failure or "sin", disfavor with G^D, or both.  By censoring even the mention of disabilities from their website, your church leaders are likely responding to this false belief, and by going through an intermediary (your "friend"), they are removing themselves from all obvious contact with you so that they will not appear "tainted" to other members.

You may be better off to find another church.

:( This is another reason why I hate religion.


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Summer_Twilight
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18 May 2021, 2:59 pm

Fnord, I posted this statement on a message board that is part of a private online platform for members only. They said they use the platform for positive messages and other important updates. Yes, this congregation has a number of clique members, there are also a lot of nice ones who make up for them. There have also been several disabled people who have been involved in this congregation and they do welcome them.



Fnord
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18 May 2021, 3:15 pm

Summer_Twilight wrote:
Fnord, I posted this statement on a message board that is part of a private online platform for members only. They said they use the platform for positive messages and other important updates. Yes, this congregation has a number of clique members, there are also a lot of nice ones who make up for them. There have also been several disabled people who have been involved in this congregation and they do welcome them.
Well, then disregard what I posted, as it does not apply to your situation.


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18 May 2021, 3:23 pm

Probably good to spend a sunday in Gods presence instead and have a break from the church.


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Summer_Twilight
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18 May 2021, 5:01 pm

I normally watch online because I am at the bottom of the list at that congregation. Then later on, I usually go to virtual bible study as most of those members are nice. Before the pandemic, they would have lunch after services and there were more people to connect with. Right now a lot of the people are not there and there is not lunch.