The webinar laid a foundation for the formation of a Youth Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network. Together, participants explored the network’s legacy, reflected on biblical and theological perspectives, and identified ways to further engage youth with disabilities in the ecumenical movement. Anjeline Okola, programme coordinator for the WCC Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network, offered an overview of the network’s history. “How do we move forward, even as we share in the achievements that we have already had in these 25 years?” she asked. “Some of you might be asking: at what point did the World Council of Churches start talking about issues of disability?” It goes back to 1968, she explained, “during the 4th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, where the churches were exploring the need for the church to be a more inclusive society.” Fabian Corralles Gutierrez, from the Baptist Church of Costa Rica, special education teacher, director of Oiz-cualitek, and Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network youth coordinator for Meso-America, offered nine examples of ways churches can better engage with young persons with disabilities. He suggested that churches can be more aware of the increasing percentage of youth with disabilities in the congregation. “Sometimes youth who are aware of their disability choose not to bring it up to the church because of cultural stigma,” said Gutierrez. “The youth with disabilities may sometimes be reluctant to share their struggles.” Abigayle Bolado, WCC programme executive for Young People in the Ecumenical Movement, spoke on effective youth engagement with Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network. “If I am to envision the ecumenical movement, this is how I see it: one body with many parts,” she said. “Each member has its own function, and is important in the movement. All of us are given unique gifts.” Gertrude Fefoame, a member of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, spoke about engaging youth with disabilities in the next 25 years. “Everyone has been created by God to have capabilities to contribute,” she said. “Studying a Bible is critical because it enables you to know who you are, and know the capacities God has endowed you with—and in this way, you will grow to be beneficial to yourself, your groups, and society.” It is also important to study from those who have gone ahead, Fefoame noted. “Empower yourself,” she said. “I will not hide away from telling you that there are many elderly people who see the youth as future leaders and not current leaders. This is not right. We don't have to accept this. The youth, even children, are current leaders.” Learn more about the Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network (EDAN) | 
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