Read an April 30, 2012, JTA story about strides made by synagogues toward greater inclusion of those with nonphysical disabilities.

Jeff McSwain is the founder of Reality Ministries in Durham, N.C. The nonprofit works to bring together teens and adults, with and without disabilities, “to be reflective of God’s heart for humanity.”

Read a July 13, 2012, Christianity Today story about North Street Community in Durham, N.C., a redevelopment project that includes housing for people with disabilities and for seminary students as well.

Read a Jan. 24, 2013, post on the First Thoughts blog about “a richer theological model of disability.”

Gordon Temple is chief executive of Torch Trust, a British-based organization that works to bring Christ to the visually impaired. Among other things, Temple can discuss how people experiencing sudden disability go through a grief process, and how churches and ministries can help with that.

Tony Phelps-Jones is director of ministry for Prospects, which helps churches in the United Kingdom provide “effective ministry and outreach among people dearly loved by God and often marginalised by society.” The organization focuses on those with learning disabilities.

Randy Dignan is pastor of Bible Baptist Church in Jefferson City, Mo. He is fluent in American Sign Language, and the church has an extensive ministry for the deaf, including worship services. Dignan grew up surrounded by deaf family members and says he has always felt called to ministry for the hearing-impaired.

Read a Sept. 14, 2013, story from Mid-Missouri Public Radio about a Baptist church in Jefferson City, Mo., that holds services for the deaf.

The Center for Interreligious Studies maintains partnerships with various institutions at home and abroad as well as individual researchers, with the aim of scientific exchange and the promotion of interreligious dialogue.