Intellectual disability and faith communities: perspectives of Catholic religious leaders

Abstract

Faith communities create community and are important to many individuals with intellectual disability. However, relatively little is known about how intellectual disability is construed among faith leaders and the inclusion of people with intellectual disability in faith communities. To address these gaps in knowledge, we interviewed 12 Catholic priests, parochial vicars, and deacons to explore: their experiences with individuals with intellectual disability; their beliefs towards the involvement of individuals with intellectual disability within faith communities; and how religion informs their understanding of intellectual disability. We identified five religiously-anchored narratives of intellectual disability, and explore implications for individuals with intellectual disability and faith communities.

Keywords:

• intellectual disability
• faith communities
• inclusion
• meaning of intellectual disability
• Catholic leaders

Acknowledgements

The authors express gratitude to Dorothy Coughlin, Richard Steele, Jennifer Wallin-Ruschman, Greg Townley, and Eric Mankowski for their assistance and to those who shared their experiences and perspectives.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Because of the unique research context, we do not use pseudonyms in order to prevent readers from linking quotes that may identify participants.