Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

Inclusion in Worship

Inclusion Awareness Day Workbook 2004

Creating Congregations Where People of All Abilities Participate

An Invitation to Participate

Dear Religious Leader:

Once again we are asking you to join us in celebrating Inclusion Awareness Day in your house of worship.  We have designated September 26, 2004 as a day to celebrate how you make your congregation a place where people of all abilities can worship, minister and enjoy fellowship.  If this date is not convenient for your faith community, we invite you to choose a date of your own. 

This year participating in Inclusion Awareness Day is easier than ever.  We are debuting an online version of the Inclusion Awareness Day Workbook on our revised and newly formatted website at www.pathwaysawareness.org.  Click on Open Hearts, then Inclusion Awareness Day.

We wish to thank those who have contributed to the workbook, including Reverend Donald Senior of Catholic Theological Union for homily reflections and Reverend Deborah Seles, chair of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago Inclusion Task Force for tips on preaching with dignity and respect.

Pathways Awareness Foundation will again honor outstanding inclusive congregations on Inclusion Awareness Day by announcing our Open Hearts Award winners.  We want to recognize the exemplary efforts that so many of you make to create caring congregations where people of all abilities participate.  Open Hearts applications are accepted annually from February 1^st to May 1^st.  We hope you will consider nominating your congregation next year.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating Inclusion Awareness Day.  We look forward to the day when people of all abilities can enjoy full and valued membership in all of our faith communities. 

Sincerely, 

Shirley Ryan                                                Maggie Daley

Chairman                                                     President