Affirming Neurodiversity in the Church of England
Fiona MacMillan
In 2021 I was elected to General Synod and the following year elected by Synod to serve on the Committee for Ministry of and Among Deaf and Disabled People (CMDDP). In 2023 I was invited to form a new Neurodiversity Working Group, drawing together neurodivergent academics, practitioners, parents, priests, and professionals -a full list of members is available here. Over the last two years we've begun to identify what's working well, what's not working well and how we can effectively encourage the church to think differently about neurodiversity.
Within the Church of England gender, racial and even disability justice are becoming better understood. But neurodiversity had not been mentioned at General Synod until very recently when some members began referencing autistic or broader neurodivergent experience in speeches, highlighting issues and concerns. We've asked questions and spoken in debates, including about neurodiversity and safeguarding, supporting neurodivergent people in vocational discernment and training, and the need to consider neurodivergent behavioural differences in establishing codes of conduct. Invariably it feels vulnerable to speak from lived experience but it's a vital opportunity to raise awareness and increase understanding. What is really needed is a change in culture, at every level of the church, to welcome and enable all kinds of minds to flourish.
To help bring about that better flourishing we've been piloting neurodiversity training at the invitation of the Diocese of London. We began with a 90 minute introduction and developed a whole day follow-on for those who want to know more. We've begun piloting training in other dioceses through online sessions and a train the trainers model, adapting to different local needs. We are hearing stories that the training is beginning to change church culture; we plan to evaluate and share more widely over the next three years
Another way to create change in the Church of England is for national church bodies, committees or individual members to bring a motion to General Synod. It works much like a bill in Parliament: something is formally proposed, speeches are made in support and against, amendments may be tabled then a vote takes place. Synod's decisions are not always binding but can send a message, influence or inform, encourage or support.
The Neurodiversity Working Group is preparing a motion which we hope to take to Synod next year. To support this we've been collating good resources and preparing webpages. We've begun mapping what's happening both nationally and in dioceses, looking for models of good practice which could be replicated – we'd love to know of more good examples so please do get in touch via Helen James if you have an example of good practice to share with us Our research subgroup are carrying out a survey of neurodivergent church leaders' experience; we'll draw on this and other research to help illustrate the barriers experienced and the need for change.
The neurodiversity motion will call on the Church of England to affirm the presence of neurodivergent people in the whole life of the church and to reconsider structures and processes which discriminate against and disadvantage neurodivergent people. We'll also invite dioceses to nominate two neurodiversity champions to join a network; the CMDDP have submitted a bid for funding to hold a national conference for neurodiversity champions the following year.
We know that there are spaces for neurodivergent church leaders growing on the edge of churches, locally or online, to share stories and offer support, encouragement and advice in a safe space. Many are unwilling or unable to be 'out' in their ministry or church community, fearing prejudice, discrimination and judgement. Unless and until neurodivergent people are able to flourish, the church itself will be diminished.
For more information about the NDWG, its work and suggested resources where you can find out more please go to Neurodiversity | The Church of England.