ABSTRACT
Christianity is not unique among religions in placing such a significant emphasis on the dignity of the disabled individual. The view that the developing Christian religions were entirely dominated by authoritarianism, strict legalistic structures and ritual is not only inaccurate but, more seriously, it is a viewpoint which is damaging to present-day religions. It is a minimal step indeed in comparison with the amount of work which remains to be done if religion is to play its role in the complete integration and acceptance of all people regardless of type or level of physical or mental handicap. While the problem of thoughtless church architecture can be effectively dealt with by adopting formal resolutions and policies within the structure of the different religions, the problem of changing the attitudes and behaviour of clergymen, of congregations and of individual church members is a much more complex one.
