Explanation

Language is important for ensuring clear and concise communication of ideas. However, certain idioms and expressions have become hurtful for those in our communities. Stigmatized and ableist language prevent affected communities from growing beyond their stereotypical place in society.

Stigmatized language affects how individuals feel welcomed by a community. It can be regionally specific and culturally informed. As an international body, we need to make sure that we are respecting the dignity of all human being through words. Some words will be harder to give up and we will fight for favorite phrases that have long been divorced from their stigmatized origin. Thoughtful language is the first step in the invitation to the welcoming love of the church. We have seen this welcome in the symbols we adopt. It is now time to reflect on how language becomes a barrier to welcome, a barrier to reaching people in our communities. Most resources will highlight terms related to Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

Ableist language perpetuates a standard of a perfect human being. We know that only through God may we be made perfect. How that perfection is manifested on earth is not for our judgement. Ableist language abounds in our sayings and reflects the deeply imbedded use of metaphors in how our society describes and connects when communicating. Phrases like, ‘falling on deaf ears’, ‘the blind leading the blind’, ‘dumb’ and ‘lame’ all come from and perpetuate the societal ignorance of the perceived limitations of individuals with disabilities. Additionally, when discussing action, we must be intentional about how we refer to the action and what is being accomplished. To ‘go on a Walk’ puts an unintentional focus on the action of walking, which can distance individuals that use alternative methods to move from one place to another. Replacing this language takes creativity to understand the invocation to participate.

Ableist and stigmatizing language can also overlap. Terms like ‘crazy’, ‘spastic’, and ‘idiot(ic)’ started as stigmatizing language to denigrate the populations living with mental, physical, and neurological health conditions. Continued usage transformed these into ableist language as people use them to distance and separate what is perceived perfect from the imperfect.

As we look through the liturgies of the church, the formation documentation, the prayers and spiritual resources, we should reflect on how small changes to how we refer to the saints, how we ask for intersessions and give thanksgiving to be inclusive to all (or to not be exclusive to some). As we refer to scripture, we need to make sure we do not perpetuate the sins of the past with unhealthy language around the message of the stories and lessons from the old and New Testament. The hope of this resolution is for the Standing Commission on Liturgy in partnership with other bodies, like Church Publishing (and the potential Standing Commission on Human Health and Wellness) to offer guidance through the language they propose to change.

Specifically, we want to make sure that:

• Under the Inclusive Language Section on Page 3, please add a sixth point in the list stating, “Stigmatizing language should be replaced with affirming statements and words that are more relatable and promote understanding.”
   
  • You can help eliminate the misunderstanding and stigma that prevent people from speaking up and getting support by choosing words that are clearer and more neutral.
    Reference: https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/Infographics/NAMI-Language-Matters.pdf (October 2023)
  
  
  • Stigmatizing language – such as “crazy” — perpetuates negative perceptions, which can result in people to be excluded from jobs, housing, social activities and relationships. Additionally, people may begin to believe the negative things that others say about them, delaying them on their recovery journey.
    https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2022/04/use-person-first-language-to-reduce-stigma/ (October 2023)


• Under the Metaphorical Language Section on Page 3, please add a second point. The second point should be, “Ableist language should be reviewed against the intent and action of the speaker and call. Ableism perpetuates a “normal” human experience to life that places artificial barriers around what is considered perfect. Language used should reflect the intent, not the action used to accomplish the intent. As an example, ‘We shall go with Jesus’, rather than ‘We shall walk with Jesus.’
   
  • Ableism is defined as discrimination or social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. It can manifest as an attitude, stereotype, or an outright offensive comment or behavior. When it comes to language, ableism often shows up as metaphors (“My boyfriend is emotionally crippled.”), jokes (“That comedian was hysterical!”), and euphemisms (“He is differently abled.”) in conversation.
    https://hbr.org/2020/12/why-you-need-to-stop-using-these-words-and-phrases (October 2023)
  
  
  • Many people don’t mean to be insulting, and a lot have good intentions, but even well-meant comments and actions can take a serious toll on their recipients.
    https://www.accessliving.org/newsroom/blog/ableism-101/#:~:text=Ableism%20is%20the%20discrimination%20of,defines%20people%20by%20their%20disability. (October 2023)

 

Support Documents:

directrices para un lenguaje expansivo e inclusivo

guidelines for expansive and inclusive language

 

Note: this resolution and/or its explanation contains external references, such as URLs of websites, that may not be in the required languages of General Convention. Because of copyright restrictions, the General Convention cannot provide translations. However, your web browser may be able to provide a machine translation into another language. If you need assistance with this, please contact gc.support@episcopalchurch.org.