WelCom February/March 2025
Nick Wilson
The Palmerston North Diocese Synod synthesis last year, indicated a strong discernment from the Spirit pointing us towards doing a better job of welcome and inclusion.
In our diocesan recent restructure, David Loving-Molloy’s role has been changed to reflect a new mission of inclusiveness. With nearly 30 years of service as Chaplain to the Deaf Community with Wellington and Palmerston North dioceses, David is now the Pou Ārahi o Whakauru – Leader and Adviser for Inclusiveness for the Diocese of Palmerston North.
David’s role involves overseeing spiritual growth for Deaf, hard of hearing, those who experience disability, and their families, in our parishes and schools. He leads the coordination for the ministry for those who experience disability and supports their participation in the synodal way in the life of the local Church.
The mantra ‘nothing about us without us’ means those people who are not living with disability should not make decisions about being inclusive without the involvement of those directly affected by such decision-making.
Part of this kaupapa is participating in a global programme of inclusion called the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Project (hdsunflower.com). It aims to include those living with disability in day-to-day activities of community.
We are called to consider what inclusion looks like in our iwi whakapono | faith communities and reflect on Jesus’ priority for those afflicted and living with particular challenges. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘The health of a society is measured in how well it cares for its most vulnerable members’.
Empowered by our synodal discernment, we are prioritising this mahi | work, so we are truly living inclusivity inherent of God’s kingdom – and the meaning of our Catholic name: universal and unconditional welcome to all.