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Nicola Roylance, Deaf Community Outreach Worker for the Dioceses of Llandaff and Monmouth, has returned from the International Ecumenical Working Group for Deaf Ministry Conference in Oslo, Norway, where Deaf Christians and sign language users from across the world gathered to worship, learn and share together.
The conference brought together Deaf and hearing people involved in ministry from a wide range of countries and church traditions. Under the theme "Deaf and Hearing Working Together in the Church", delegates explored how churches can become more welcoming, accessible and inclusive communities where Deaf and hearing people serve alongside one another as equal partners in ministry.
Through worship, discussion, workshops and fellowship, participants shared ideas and experiences about Deaf ministry in their own countries. The gathering provided an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Deaf culture while strengthening international partnerships and encouraging churches to recognise the gifts, leadership and contributions of Deaf people.
The conference was attended by the Lutheran Bishop of Oslo, Bishop Sunniva Gylver, who is learning to sign, highlighting the importance of accessibility within the Church, and the need to ensure that Deaf people can fully participate in every aspect of worship and community life.
t also offered a powerful reminder that, although Deaf communities use different sign languages shaped by their own cultures and histories, they are united in faith.
As in spoken language, sign languages vary from country to country, reflecting local culture and identity. In a video recorded during the conference, Nicola shares the different ways sign language users from around the world sign the word "Amen", offering a glimpse of the richness and diversity of global Deaf communities.
Reflecting on the experience, Nicola said that the conference demonstrated both the distinctiveness of different Deaf cultures and the deep connections that exist between Christians across national boundaries. The opportunity to worship together and exchange experiences reinforced the value of collaboration between Deaf and hearing people in building a more inclusive Church.
The gathering echoed the words of Psalm 86:9:
"All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name."
For those attending, the conference was a living expression of that vision, as Christians from many nations and cultures came together to worship God, share their faith and work towards a Church where everyone belongs.
