Creating Access and Inclusion in Worship

A LETTER FROM PATHWAYS AWARENESS FOUNDATION

Dear Religious Leader:

Pathways Awareness inaugurated the Open Hearts, Open Minds inclusion movement in response to a young man?s unfulfilled desire to be an altar server. Since then the program has grown into a national, interreligious initiative. We have assisted congregations across the United States to welcome worshippers of all abilities into liturgy, ministry and leadership roles with our educational materials, Open Hearts Awards cash grants and annual Inclusion Awareness Day.

We invite you to observe Inclusion Awareness Day in your faith community on October 11, 2009 or an alternate date this fall. The interreligious Inclusion Awareness Day Workbooks of planning materials, posted on the Pathways Awareness website, www.inclusioninworship.org, are provided to encourage participation.

Our faith communities are strengthened when we provide accommodations so members of all abilities can participate. Thank you for opening hearts, minds and doors to worshippers of all abilities, not only on Inclusion Awareness Day, but every day of the year.

Sincerely,
Shirley W. Ryan
Chairman