A Moment in Time
For the past twelve years I have been the disability advisor to the Archdiocese of Southwark
during which time I have led an exciting disability focused project. The aim of my work and ministry
has been to ensure that people with disabilities belong and are fully active within the life and
mission of the church.
I am happy to say that we are well along the way to this being achieved and Southwark has
become well known for its work and ministry surrounding the lives and faith of people with
disability. Over the years there has never been a week when our work has not been exciting,
innovative, creative and transforming. When I look back over these years I remember the many
moments when the witness and insights of disabled people have allowed me to see God’s spirit at
work.
It has become ever more apparent that this is a particular moment in time and we are a
generation of the church who have been called to develop a place of belonging for people with
disabilities in our lives and parishes. This is the time and we are the people.
I have recently completed a piece of research alongside Professor John Swinton from The
University of Aberdeen, which has explored how parish communities and society can foster this
sense of belonging and develop necessary and creative practices. During our experience of
working within our research communities we discovered stories of faith, love and hope. It was
clear that our research partners with intellectual disabilities have much to share about God and His
world.
As a result of this research there is a desire to put the wisdom and insights from the research to
work and I have recently been offered funding to set up a consultancy with Prof. John Swinton.
This of course means that I will have to leave my present role. I will of course continue to build
upon the amazing work and experience that I have gained in my time in the Christian Education
Centre. My new role will allow me to put this experience to work and serve in many new places,
religious communities, families and secular organisations. It will still be possible of course for any
parish to continue to access the services that we aim to provide if they so wish.
The name of the new consultancy is The Kairos Forum. Kairos is a Greek word which means
“A moment in time when all elements are in place for action to occur.” This is indeed a suitable
name for this moment in time where the prophetic voice of disabled people can bring about
transformative action in our communities.
I have loved my time in Southwark and ask for your prayers as I begin the new journey into
which Gods spirit now leads me. I would like to thank all people who have supported our work
over the years and will be at the Christian Education Centre until the 29th February.
Cristina Gangemi MA
casagangemi@blueyonder.co.uk