Book Review

Intellectual Disability – The Response of theChurch

Edited by Brian Kelly and Patrick McGinley

Lancashire

Lisieux Hall Publications

2000

pp. 192

ISBN 1-8700335-27-9, £12 (pbk)

This book contains 10 chapters contributed by both clergy

and laity, including international contributors, from a broad

spectrum of Christian denominations, all working proac-

tively with people with learning disabilities in a Christian

setting. The book, therefore, contains a variety of styles and is

particularly, but not exclusively, suitable to people in leader-

ship in the Christian Church. It is refreshing to read as the

authors are not professionals in learning disability services,

although they all have extensive experience with people with

learning disabilities and in community development.

Each chapter stresses the value of people with a learning

disability and how Christian theology supports social inclu-

sion. They then describe examples of good practice concerning

integration, support and inclusion in the church community.

The chapter written by Roy McConkey is particularly chal-

lenging and practical. The book is peppered with real-life

anecdotes, and confirms the message that faith is about

equity, inclusion and personal development. Claude Madoc

relates several examples of practical care and support given

to the parents and carers of people with learning disabilities.

He describes retreats where a variety of creative mediums

enable participation and personal affirmation.

Julia Granger describes how the diocese of Arundel and

Brighton set up a support network by recruiting a represen-

tative or contact in each of the 120 parishes. Their roles

include befriending, linking up and signposting people with

learning disabilities and their families mainly, within the

church community. Several chapters contain terms possibly

not familiar to a wider readership, so a glossary would have

been useful.

The book shows how the Christian faith promotes

inclusion and offers opportunities for personal growth and

development. It gives many examples where people with

learning disabilities and their carers have benefited from

an increase in social networks and a feeling of community

(in a way) that funded services are not always able to

provide.

Liz Tilly

Warley Leisure and Enabling Services

Oldbury

West Midlands, UK

# 2003 BILD Publications, British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 31, 60