Thread by @IAmTonyaNash

I was minding my business last night, reading tweets about the Bills vs Chiefs game when the below tweet caught my attention.

It's been a while since I've done a faith-based Twitter thread, but Greg Locke's comments have compelled me to speak up. Put on your seatbelts! 🧵 1/14

https://twitter.com/hemantmehta/status/1485332826799149059

Greg Locke’s comments are the very reason why I started @AutismFaithNet. His statements are HIGHLY OFFENSIVE to me as a Christian AND mom of TWO sons with autism, with one that also has a rare form of epilepsy. 2/14

My boys mean EVERYTHING to me. It would be easy to write a post about how amazing they are, assuring everyone that neither one of them has a demon. But I think it’s more important to highlight another point… 3/14

Some may say, “That man is known for controversial statements. Just ignore him." That may be true. However, he said out aloud what some Christians secretly think, which is reinforced from pulpits all over the world. 4/14

How many churches do you know that have a ministry for those with disabilities and their families? Churches have all kinds of ministries...Singles Ministry, Divorce Ministry, Senior Ministry, Grief Ministry, Prison Ministry...and all of these are important! 5/14

However, 1 in 4 adults have a disability, 1 in 26 persons will develop #epilepsy, and 1 in 44 children have been diagnosed with #autism. With that being the case, why is #disability ministry rare in our churches? 6/14

How many churches have disabled persons in prominent places of leadership, such as those who are #deaf or #autistic? It’s certainly not because they do not possess the talent or ability to lead… 7/14

How many churches have accessible seating, entryways and bathrooms? If church is for everyone, shouldn’t it be accessible for everyone, regardless of ability? 8/14

How many churches welcome those with disabilities that cannot sit still for a traditional service or remain quiet? Too many times, disabled persons are treated as a nuisance and distraction instead of a child of God that is worthy to be there, just like everyone else. 9/14

Meanwhile, the disabled, their parents and #caregivers are left spiritually homeless, because few #churches are willing to make accommodations so that the ENTIRE family can worship together. They are shunned in society and also in the house of God. 10/14

I have talked to #church leaders over the years and some have no desire whatsoever to reach out to the disabled and their families. “We are not equipped for that here,” they say. They won’t even share information from the pulpit about #autism for Autism Awareness Month. 11/14

The truth is that in many #churches, there is a quiet acceptance of the idea that those with disabilities do not belong and that their condition is caused by sin or demons to be prayed away. This stigma and ignorance has to stop! 12/14

While Greg Locke's comments are abhorrent, they are in lock step with the inaction of the #church body AS A WHOLE to reach out to and support #disabled persons and their families. 13/14

While we are speaking out on Greg Locke, let’s look within and find ways in which we can make our own churches more inclusive for #disabled persons and their families. We have to do better. Let’s start today. 14/14