Reality of Ableism in the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria

Abstract

Though ableism is a modern word for discrimination against people with disability, it is a long-term problem in almost all human societies. Each human society and/or culture has often had a unique way of perceiving, depicting and treating people with disabilities. In Nigeria, many Pentecostal churches, including the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, often have continued to portray disability as an evil to be eliminated through divine healing. And this of course, makes it look as if disability is no longer part of human diversity. The findings of this study shows that in most of programmes and events organized by the church, people with disability are not considered or put in perspective. Also, there is no action plans for tackling ableism and disciplining people with disability in the church. The paper recommended that the church should design a homiletical strategy that will contribute to shaping disability-friendly congregations. The church should articulate operational policy for the periodic conscientization of her members on the need for acceptance, genuine love, integration and inclusion of people with disability. The paper concluded on the note that people with disability, whether adults or children, should be loved and empowered both spiritually and otherwise not necessarily out of pity or out of service; but out of a genuine understanding, love, acceptance, and celebration of their life.