The National Autism Association of Zambia has launched a church awareness campaign aimed at promoting inclusion of children on the autism spectrum in churches.
Speaking during the launch, Association Chairperson, Angela Gondwe said the initiative aims to encourage understanding and acceptance of autism in places of worship.
“We are not here to ask for pity, we are here to open doors, the church must be the safest place on earth for a family raising a child on the autism spectrum, not the hardest,” she said.
Ms Gondwe noted that autism remains widely misunderstood, resulting in stigma and exclusion, especially in churches where some families feel unwelcome.
She said there is need for religious institutions to take deliberate steps to support affected families.
Meanwhile, a parent to a child with autism, Kayumba Mpwampu, shared his experience of raising his son, who experienced delayed speech development and was later diagnosed with autism.
Mr Mpwampu said autism can occur alongside other conditions, making it important for communities to understand its complexities and respond appropriately.
He also called on churches to educate their members, particularly ushers and teachers, to ensure they treat children with compassion and avoid actions that may discourage families.
And Director General of the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Frankson Musukwa, reaffirmed government’s commitment to promoting inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Mr Musukwa urged churches to take a leading role in promoting inclusivity, stating that discrimination against persons with autism goes against Christian values.
“The church must be inclusive, the church must create a special home for them, they are all created in the image of God,” he said.
He further encouraged churches to align with government policies by implementing inclusive practices and raising awareness on disability issues.
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