New Book Challenges Church's Approach to Disability and Ableism

A new book challenging the Church's approach to disability has been released by Timothy Goode, Canon for Congregational Discipleship and Nurture at York Minster. Breaking, Not Broken, published on 30 January 2023, critiques ableism within Christian theology and calls for a deeper reflection on the role of bodies in faith.

The book places disability at the heart of Christian thought rather than treating it as a secondary concern. Goode weaves together Scripture, church history, architecture, and themes of memory and time to reimagine the Church through the lens of the risen, wounded Christ.

Scholars and church leaders have already responded positively. New Testament scholar Paula Gooder recommended it for anyone exploring the place of bodies in Christian belief. Ian Markham, Dean of Virginia Theological Seminary, praised its profound challenge to the Church, while Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford, called it an important conversation starter. As of March 2026, the book has not yet sparked widespread international discussion, likely due to its recent release. It is currently available for purchase at £48 through the publisher's website, SCM Press, or at www.wjkbooks.com.

Breaking, Not Broken offers a fresh perspective on disability within Christian theology. By centring the experiences of disabled people, it pushes the Church to rethink long-held assumptions. The book remains accessible for readers interested in its themes, though broader debate on its ideas is still developing.