Exorcise 'devil of inaccessibility' first, disabled activist tells churches
Making churches accessible to people with disabilities is more important than complaining about concerts, according to Anthony Thanasayan.
The wheelchair-bound activist expressed disappointment that the Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) chose to focus on a trivial issue instead of structural impediments in places of worship...
Making churches accessible to people with disabilities is more important than complaining about concerts, according to Anthony Thanasayan.
The wheelchair-bound activist expressed disappointment that the Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) chose to focus on a trivial issue instead of structural impediments in places of worship.
“I was born with disabilities. I have been using a wheelchair since the age of 10. I am 59 this year, and there is still much to be desired with regard to making churches accessible.
“This is the 'devil' we, as people with disabilities, face. Disabilities are also on the rise as the number of elderly increases.
"This is all the more reason for churches to be disabled-friendly,” he told Malaysiakini.
Thanasayan was commenting on CCM questioning how Singapore-based band Devouror was given permission to hold a live concert in Kuala Lumpur when its music was “anti-Christian and pro-Satanic.”
To make matters worse, CCM's general secretary Reverend Herman Shastri said the concert was scheduled on Easter.
The organiser has since cancelled the concert.
Read more: ‘Extreme music’ gig cancelled after protest from churches
Meanwhile, Thanasayan said CCM should instead launch a progamme to make all its member churches disabled-friendly, which he added would be more rewarding here and in the hereafter.
“This needs to be said. By next Easter, I challenge CCM to make all its member churches disabled-friendly. This means having designated parking lots, ramps and accessible washrooms.
“This must also include the use of Braille and sign language for those with visual and hearing impairment.
“I believe the Lord, Jesus Christ, is more concerned about this than a so-called Satanic band. This would allow people with disabilities to be active participants in church activities as well,” he added.
Thanasayan also noted how in the absence of accessible toilets, disabled people who attended church are forced to use diapers and urine bags.
“We have asked, pleaded and begged over the years. I am not certain if I would live to see the changes take place.
“Disabled-friendly facilities are not only a human right, but also a baptismal right.
“Yet it is being denied in most churches in Malaysia, including the Roman Catholic Church and the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship, which collectively make up the Christian Federation of Malaysia," he added.
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