Religious leaders seek inclusion of sign language interpretation in worship

Religious leaders seek inclusion of sign language interpretation in worship

Religious leaders have called for the inclusion of sign language interpretation in worship services to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with hearing impairments.

They gave the advice at the maiden official launch and training of religious leaders on sign language interpretation and promoting inclusivity in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that the training organised by the Justice, Development, and Peace Caritas Initiative (JDPC) of the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, aimed at enhancing inclusion for persons with disabilities within the Christian and Muslim faith communities in Nigeria.

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, sais sign language interpretation provides a crucial bridge for people with hearing impairment to understand spoken messages, participate in prayers and hymns, and engage with the broader religious community. 

According to him, we often focus on the thousands of people who attend church or mosque, but we forget that some among them may not be able to walk, see, or hear.

He emphasised the significance of collaboration between Muslims and Christians, noting that joint initiatives like this training programme demonstrated a shared commitment to serving the common good.

“Today, we’re gathered to assist those with hearing impairments, ensuring they feel included and valued in our communities.

“Rather than quarrelling and competing, let’s focus on something positive and humanitarian by learning sign language. Our priests and Muslim clerics can better serve and support those in need,” he said.

Kaigama added that people with disabilities are all children of God, made in His image and likeness.

He urged the public to carry them along and ensure they felt included.

According to him, this programme is just the beginning, and we plan to integrate sign language into our schools and seminaries.

When asked about government involvement, the archbishop expressed hope that authorities would take notice and offer support.

“We are always begging the government to come to us and ask us what we are doing.

“We want to share our experiences and work together to help the poor, the needy, and the marginalised.”

On sustainability of the programme, Kaigama said that the Justice, Peace, and Commission of the Archdiocese would ensure the programme’s continuity even after his tenure.

“With the support of organisations like Christian Blind Mission (CBM) and potential government collaboration, I am confident that the initiative will thrive and grow even after my tenure.

Also speaking, Sheihk Haroun Eze, from the National Mosque, commended the initiative as “visionary and commendable,” thanking the Archbishop and organisers for fostering collaboration between faith groups on inclusive communication.

Eze said that the programme would only address the inclusion of people with disabilities into the spiritual messages from churches and mosques but also speaks to a greater meaning the inclusion between interfaith communities.

He said that while the Muslim community has not previously utilised sign language in religious engagement, this partnership could become a transformative tool to build bridges of understanding, not just among the disabled, but in the broader social fabric.

“For the first time, a joint effort seeks to bridge communication gaps for persons with hearing impairments within Nigeria’s spiritual circles. This is commendable.

“We have a lot to learn. We believe this initiative will yield great fruit by promoting peace, communal understanding, and a better society for all.

He highlighted the profound impact this moment could have, especially in confronting misconceptions about Islam.

He lamented how those misrepresenting the faith through acts of violence and extremism have blocked paths toward unity, often under the guise of religious zeal.

“We may be speaking, but they are not hearing not in the literal sense, but in their understanding. Perhaps this is where tools like sign language can be more than just a disability aid; it could be a new way to really be heard,” he said.

Referring to extremists who commit violence in the name of Islam, Sheikh Eze stressed that such individuals should be plainly identified as criminals, disowned by the Muslim faith and community.

“Criminal acts done under the banner of Islam are just that crimes. They do not represent Islam’s teachings of peace, unity, and compassion.

“We are pledging the support and engagement of the National Mosque in this pioneering initiative.

Rev. Fr. Sebastian Sanni of the Archdiocese of Abuja emphasised that the programme aligns with the mandate of Lord Jesus Christ to carry everyone along.

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Sanni highlighted the importance of communication in reaching out to people with disabilities, noting that they have a vital role to play in national development.

“By communicating the gospel of Christ to them in a different way, we are shaping them spiritually and enabling them to contribute to society.

“We are all united in building the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and spreading the good news with compassion, irrespective of religion or background,” he said.

He wished for a nation where people were judged not by their religion or denomination but by their actions and commitment to doing good.

“If we continue this initiative, we will see a society where everyone is valued and respected, especially the most vulnerable,” he said.

“We want a future where people come together, united in their humanity and their desire to do good, rather than being divided by their differences.

“We are all children of God, and we should focus on reaching out to those in need, rather than judging one another,” he added.

on his part, one of the participants, Rev. Fr. Valentine Alalama, in an interview with newsmen, said, “It’s inspiring and a welcome development referring to the initiative to promote inclusivity for people with disabilities in places of worship.

Alalama noted that for too long, individuals with special needs had been left behind, excluded from fully participating in spiritual and liturgical worship.

“This training will help us carry them along, and we will ensure they are no longer on the sidelines, but actively participating in church services.

‘I looked forward to more effective communication with his congregation,
particularly those with hearing impairments.

“I will make it a personal task to ensure they feel included and valued,” he said..