Rome: International Disability Symposium opens

The international disability event: 'Living Fully 2016' began with an academic Symposium in Rome today. The event was officially opened by Cardinal Ravasi. The four days will be a celebration of disability, culture and faith. Theologians and practitioners in the field of disability - both physical and intellectual, are gathering from the four corners of the globe to share their knowledge, insights and experience to foster greater engagement in Church communities far and wide.

The event has been pioneered by The Kairos Forum, a Caritas member disability organisation in the UK. Director Cristina Gangemi, was delighted when the Pontifical Council for Culture offered to be co Patron of this unique event.

She said: "We are enormously grateful to Cardinal Ravasi for his practical support thus enabling this event to become a reality. We hope that the outcome will be a greater awareness and positive culture, that faith communities of belonging for all abilities can be a reality. Our collective experience demonstrates how enriching these inclusive communities are - both practically and spiritually."

Speakers at the Symposium and Conference include Professor Hans Reinders and Reverend Bill Gaventa, both longstanding scholars in disability theology.

Sister Veronica Donatello Director of The Office of Disability and Catechesis at CE said: "I will be speaking on the topic of Pope Francis' recent quote 'Everybody or Nobody'.

Exploring the spectrum of disability, Fr Bill Braviner who serves an Anglican parish on Teeside and David Lucas of Disability & Jesus, will speak about disability within the context of faith.

For more information see: www.livingfully2016.com/