Religious and faith communities are often described as essential for children and their childhood, yet, the inclusion of children in communal and religious practice(s) is understudied. In this session, scholars and practitioners explore what it looks like to embrace children in religious practice across cultures and religious affiliations.
The church must embrace radical inclusion of children with disabilities to address their spiritual needs. Historically marginalized, these children and their families often feel excluded. "Radical inclusion" calls for a reform of children’s programs, services, and ministries that moves beyond accommodation to valuing each child’s participation in the body of Christ. There is a gap in understanding the spirituality of children with disabilities. By understanding these children's unique gifts, capabilities, and spiritualities, the body of Christ can learn to see and value them as full members. By centering their experiences, the church can deepen its understanding and create a more inclusive and enriching spiritual community.
Keywords: Children with Disabilities, Children’s Spirituality, Radical Inclusion
Abstract
This study investigates how fostering practices within African diaspora communities, viewed through the framework of religious transnationalism, impact child migrants. It examines the severe consequences of cultural and spiritual conflicts through the tragic case studies of Victoria Climbié and Adam ‘Ikpomwosa’, whose torso was discovered in the River Thames, with a particular focus on esoteric beliefs and witchcraft. The study addresses a gap in existing literature by analysing how these beliefs affect child welfare and integration. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research gathers insights from diaspora parents and religious leaders in France and the UK. The findings aim to inform culturally sensitive policies that enhance child protection within migrant communities.
Among the many concepts associated with Hindu religious traditions are the central ones of maya (illusion) and moksha (freedom). Hindu practitioners seek freedom from illusion. How might we account for this? St. Ignatius of Loyola suggested that if one were to give him a child for seven years, then he would give them the man. This paper proposes that the explanation for illusion and freedom in the Hindu world reflects Hindu childrearing practices. Psychological anthropology characterizes these practices as pediatric. Pediatric childrearing practices reflect the reality of infectious disease ecologies, a reality consistent with the disease profile of South Asia. Pediatric childrearing practices nurture insecure-anxious attachment styles. These styles are conducive to adaptive, collectivist societies, themselves antipathogenic in nature. Psychologically, insecure-anxious attachment styles lead to a basic mistrust in the world. The Hindu concepts of freedom (moksha) from illusion (maya) reflect the adaptive realities of Hindu childrearing practices.