Training church staff in Indonesian sign language
(LWI) – The Indonesian National Committee of the Lutheran World Federation (KN-LWF) recently organized a workshop in collaboration with The United Protestant Church (GPP) to create and promote a worship environment accommodating people with disabilities, especially the deaf. The workshop included basic training for church staff in Indonesian sign language.
Opening the workshop, KN-LWF Director Rev. Dedi Pardosi underlined the importance of effective communication in daily life. He noted that not all community members can communicate in the same way. “Sign language can be a powerful bridge in strengthening communication and engagement for individuals with hearing loss,” Pardosi said.
GPP Bishop Makmur Simaremare welcomed the training, saying it would help church staff “spread the word of God to deaf friends.”
Rev. Masriany Sihite introduced participants to the theology of disability. She said disabled people are “members of the body of Christ,” requiring inclusive environments and systems.
Disability theology can be defined as the attempt by disabled and non-disabled Christians to understand and interpret the gospel of Jesus Christ, God, and humanity against the backdrop of the historical and contemporary experiences of people with disabilities.
Theological perspectives and practical approaches to an inclusive church
Elisabeth from the Movement for the Welfare of the Deaf Indonesia (GERKATIN), who is deaf herself, encouraged participants to use the term tuli (deaf) instead of tuna rungu (hearing impaired) when referring to individuals with hearing impairments. This shift in terminology promotes a more positive social identity and fosters a culture of inclusivity in the Indonesian context.
