Bishop’s Adviser for Disability Appointed in the Diocese of Lincoln

Meet Martin Joy

The Bishop of Lincoln has appointed Martin Joy as the Disability Adviser in the Diocese of Lincoln.

“At a recent national conference it was estimated that the majority of people with a disability did not feel welcome in their local churches.”

Martin Joy, Bishop’s Adviser on Disability

Martin is currently churchwarden at St Hughs Church in North Hykeham and in his working career, including as a management trainer, he has specialised in diversity and disability awareness courses.

A lived Experience

Martin had polio in 1957 which resulted in a very weakened left hand side of his body. For the last six years he has been a wheelchair user, although he still manage a few steps around the house.

Martin says that in the majority of cases, the way people are treated in the churches is done with the best of intentions, but it can still be upsetting to the individual concerned.

“It has come as a bit of a surprise to see how people with a disability can be treated in our churches.”

Martin Joy, Bishop’s Adviser on Disability

We pray that this appointment will help the Diocese and its many churches to become safe and accessible to those with a disability.

Contact Martin

If you would like to discuss anything related to the Church and people with a disability, then please contact Martin by e-mail.

He would also like to start a group of people who wish to see best practices used in all our churches across the Diocese of Lincoln and beyond. If you would like to join such a group, please email him.

Email: martin.joycwsthughs@gmail.com

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