|PIC1|A thoroughly updated guide on how to make church buildings as accessible as possible to people with disabilities has been reissued by the Church of England this month.

Widening the eye of the needle helps those responsible for church buildings understand legal principles and the practical steps necessary to comply with all the relevant access and disability-related legislation. The re-publication of the guidance is a timely reminder of the need for churches to consider such issues, particularly if they are planning to reorder their buildings to accommodate more worshippers or extend their use as venues for community services such as art exhibition space or evening classes.

Following a major update to reflect the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005, changes to the Building Regulations in 2004 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001, the book includes illustrations and a range of forms and checklists to ensure churches are meeting the needs of those who have special needs when attending services and other events.

The book includes a pro-forma to assist in conducting a detailed ‘access audit’ of existing church buildings or plans for a new build or extension.

Writing ten years ago, the then Bishop of Hulme, Rt Rev Colin Scott, wrote in his introduction: “One of the striking characteristics of the Gospel narratives is Jesus’ concern for people with disabilities, but sadly the Church has, in the past, given little attention to their needs.

"Our responsibility as a Christian community, reinforced by our legal obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act, should make us determined that all members of the community can attend and participate in services easily and with dignity.

"I hope that this publication will assist congregations and their advisers as they seek to make this possible.”

Last month, the Government and the Church of England published guidelines to help religious groups identify funding and support for faith groups that will enable them to adapt their buildings for community use and build on their capacity to engage at local and regional level.

Janet Gough, Director of the Cathedrals and Church Buildings Division of the Archbishops’ Council, comments: “This book is part of a wider jigsaw that will help give local churches the big picture when they are considering reviewing their physical space.

"The Church is entrusted with some magnificent architectural gems, and we have to strike a delicate balance between protecting that inheritance for future generations while ensuring that churches’ physical environments are suitable for the diverse range of activities of the modern Christian life.

"Ensuring that our buildings are as accessible as possible is an essential consideration as part of reaching that balance.”

Widening the eye of the needle, priced £16.99 (ISBN 978-07151-4061-1), is available from Christian bookshops, or by mail order via the web at www.chpublishing.co.uk