History
Brief History
DSF Network
The DSF Network seeks to build understanding between the disability and faith communities.It was formed to provide a legal structure for the Through the Whirlwind: Te Puta I Te Taiwhiowhio: Disability, Spirituality and Faith Conference which was held in Wellington in 2003. It continues today. It is a small network that through our publications reaches many people.
From mid 1990s there had been a growing movement in New Zealand around disability, spirituality and faith. Here are some significant dates:
| 1996 | Religion, Health, Spirituality and Disability Conference Brisbane | Attended by one kiwi. This began the relationship with Australia |
| 1998 | Beyond the Ramp Conference Adelaide | Attended by four kiwis. |
| Dr Nancy Eiesland The Disabled God: Towards a Liberatory Theology of Disability (1995) toured New Zealand speaking in Auckland, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin | ||
| 1999 | Holy, Wholly Accessible: Disability Policy Anglican Diocese of Wellington. | |
| 2000 | Futures Group of the Methodist Church funding application to work with the churches ecumenically to develop a more holistic approach to disability issues. | |
| 2001 | Ecumenical project on Disability Issues was formed | |
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Planning started for the inaugural New Zealand gathering on Disability,Spirituality and Faith Exclusion and Embrace conference, Melbourne Australia |
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| Five-six kiwis attended Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network of World Council of Churches | ||
| 2002 | The Disability, Spirituality and Faith Network Aotearoa New Zealand Inc was formed | |
| 2003 | Through the Whirlwind conference: Te Puta I te Taiwhiowhio: Disability, Spirituality and Faith Conference– proceedings on this website. | |
| The Disability, Spirituality and Faith Network Aotearoa New Zealand held its initial AGM. | ||
| 2004 | Bridges to Understanding: Multi-Faith Perspectives on Spirituality and Disability Conference, Sydney | |
| 2008 | Oh Light: An anthology of writing and reflections to enrich the spirit | |
| 2014 | Creating Welcoming Churches: a disability resource for faith communities | Launches in Auckland and Wellington |
| 2016 | Creating Welcoming Churches: Large Print Version | Launch in Dunedin |
| Exclusion and Embrace: Disability, Justice and Spirituality Conference Melbourne | Ten Kiwis attended | |
| 2017 | Planning began for a disability, spirituality conference in 2020 | |
| 2018 | Caritas Social Justice Week on Disability |