Catholics asked to help disabled

Press, 22 June 1981, Page 13

Catholics asked to help disabled

PA Wellington The Catholic Bishops of New Zealand have asked all Catholics to support the International Year of the Disabled. In an illustrated pamphlet the Bishops say that the Catholic Church has a unique and fundamental role to play in integrating all disabled people as full members of the community. They quote the Document of the Holy See on the International Year, which warns against heartless institutionalisation of disabled people. Helping the disabled to adapt physically and psychologically is not enough, the Bishops say. “Our aim should be to

create the conditions — the mentality, legislation, living facilities, service, work, and environment — which make it possible for the disabled person to participate in and enjoy the quality of life of the total community." The statement is on behalf of the Archbishop of Wellington (the Most Rev. T. Williams), the Bishop of Dunedin (the Most Rev. J. P.. Kavanagh), the Bishop of Christchurch (the Most Rev. B. P. Ashby), the Bishop of Auckland (the Most Rev. J. Mackey), the Bishop of Palmerston North (the Most Rev. P. J. Cullinane), the Bishop of Hamilton (the Most Rev. E. Gaines), and the Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland (the Most Rev. J. Rodgers).