Exploring Theologies of Liberation: Disability, Justice and the Churches
Tuesday 6 October 2026
19:30-21:00 (UK time)
Emily Richardson
,
Naomi Lawson Jacobs
,
Tanya Hubbard
,
Benjamin Wood
In this session, Emily Richardson and Naomi Lawson Jacobs will lead an introduction to disability liberation theology, drawing on the work of disabled theologians, activists, and their allies. We will share some context about this field, where disabled-led and critical disability theology are beginning to shine.
What might Christian theology look like when it is rooted in the struggles of oppressed people for dignity, justice and life? How can faith inspire social change and speak from the margins? This series explores liberation theology’s insights on freedom, abundance and justice today.
This session is structured around three themes:
• Ableism and God’s justice in church and society
• The pastoral model: challenging the church’s focus on disabled people as objects of the church’s ministry and theology, rather than agents of change
• The gifts and prophetic ministry of disabled people in churches.
Each section will be broken up by silence, led by Emily, and there will the opportunity for discussion and exchanges.
This session is grounded in our Quaker Testimony to Equality and belief in that of God in all people. It builds on the powerful Swarthmore Lecture delivered by Esther Loukin in 2023 and we hope will prompt Friends to keep this important conversation alive in their communities.
Join us for other sessions in this series:
• Brit(ish) Public Liberation Theology – Wednesday 9 September
• Eco-Justice and Liberation Theology – Friday 6 November
This course will involve:
Discussion, Speaker, Workshop, Zoom Session
Accessibility info:
On the booking form, there is a chance for you to let us know about any accessibility or communication adjustments that will enable you to participate more fully in the course. Automated Zoom closed captions are available for all live sessions but if you feel you require more accurate closed captioning please email us directly in addition to booking.
See more courses in this category: History & Theology
