We-Thou Communion

Abstract

The author proposes a communal model for the church, We-Thou Communion, to improve inclusivity, particularly for people with dementia. Written from the subjective viewpoint of a person living with dementia, it provides a unique insider’s perspective of the church as a place of welcome and support. We all share vulnerability before God, despite our varying cognitive, emotional, and physical capacities, yet this is seldom recognized in today’s society, which values autonomy and independence. We-Thou Communion can provide a way for the faith community to better welcome, support, and include all people despite their limitations. The focus of this article is on people with dementia.

Keywords:

• Church
• communal identity
• dementia
• we-thou communion
• worship

Acknowledgments

Professor E. MacKinlay provided valuable insights for the preparation of this article.

Notes

1 The translator, W. Kaufmann, of the 1970 edition writes that the term Thou has been misinterpreted as being theological, but was intended by Buber to focus on relationships between people (Buber, 1970, pp. 14–17).

2 Bonhoeffer wrote of the community of saints (sanctorum communio), which gathers people together in communal worship, listening to the word and taking the sacraments.

3 An example of dementia-specific Christian worship is provided by Meaningful Ageing Australia (2016).