Children Quote by Kate Clifford Larson
““At that time the Roman Catholic Church routinely refused the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation to intellectually disabled children, especially those with Down syndrome. Even today some local churches still refuse the sacrament to those with intellectual impairments, in spite of a directive from the church during the latter part of the twentieth century that clergy should offer the sacraments to them.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Catholic Church and the Disabled, 2015
The Church historically excluded intellectually disabled children from sacraments, despite later directives urging inclusion.
In simple terms: Church denied communion to disabled children, later changed.
Key Takeaway
Advocate inclusive sacramental access.
Themes
inclusion
religion
disability rights
church policy
Mood
concerned
hopeful
Type
historical
advocacy
When to use this quote
- parish administration
- pastoral care
- advocacy groups
- family support
Key Concepts
Theology
human rights
ethical leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- How can congregations reconcile doctrine with compassion?
- What steps ensure consistent inclusion?
A Different Perspective
Some clergy still resist despite directives.
