Today RNS is moving an article about a Christian ministry for teenagers with disabilities. The story focuses on Will Gathro, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as an infant, and spent most of his teenage years at home with his parents. That changed when he joined Capernaum Partnership. The ministry, says Will’s mother, Kathy Gathro, has been “a social lifeline-they see our kids for the abilities they have, not the disabilities they have.” The program, which empowers youth with disabilities to get out of their homes to serve others, is just one example of how, after years of neglect, the church and religious nonprofits are beginning to meet the needs of people with “special needs.” Check out the ministry’s Web site.
Update on today’s coverage: The shot heard ’round the world?
Today we’re also reporting on the United Church of Christ’s vote that has made it the first mainline church to support civil marriage for gay couples. Will it affect the way other churches approach the issue? The answer, for a number of reasons, is probably not. RNS subscribers can check out today’s report for an analysis of the decision. Non-subscribers can purchase the article on a one-shot basis.