Methodist Conference: Healing Ministry and Neurodiversity

The Methodist Conference, meeting in Telford, has received a report about the appropriateness of prayers for healing, particularly around neurodivergence, and how the gifts of those with lifelong conditions may contribute to the life of the Church.

The Conference report “Healing Ministry and Neurodiversity” highlighted the importance of being reflective and sometimes self-critical in relation to healing prayer, both for the person praying and the person being prayed for.

A significant majority of the working group behind the report are neurodivergent themselves, with a range of directly relevant experiences and perspectives. For some, different cognitive functioning is a blessing that they long to be recognised as a gift, while others acknowledge that their neurodivergence may result in challenges such as depression, while, for some, they long for freedom from what they experience as a burden.

The report was requested because of instances of prayers aimed at curing conditions including Autism or Attention Deficit [Hyperactive] Disorder (ADHD/ADD). The report acknowledges that this practice can be harmful to the individual and does not recognise the reality of the condition. By contrast, many individuals with neurodivergent conditions have positive skillsets such as creative thinking, problem solving and mathematical skills.

“Given the wide variety of neurodiverse ways of being, the group called for deep engagement with the reality of neurodivergent experience and constant attention to the needs and aspirations of the person being prayed with,” said the Revd Dr Mark Rowland, Secretary of the Faith and Order Committee who presented the report. While declining to prohibit prayers for the healing of neurodivergent conditions, the report indicates that situations where prayer for healing of the condition as such would be the appropriate response will be rare.

The Conference asks for further work to consider how the Church might express appropriate repentance for the past exclusion of neurodivergent people in the life of the church and to explore how the church might be more inclusive of neurodivergent people, as well as ways to address ableism in the Church. The Conference also directed consideration of more resources relating to healing ministry in general.

The Revd Dr Mark Rowland, went on to comment, “This important report makes a significant step forward for the Conference’s consideration of neurodiversity and I am grateful for its attention to this matter. I look forward to our work together as we seek to build a church in which neurodivergent people, with all our siblings, can thrive.”