Mission and Program Goals:  The Committee attempts to recognize the variety of communication preferences present among deaf and hard of hearing persons and encourages effective ministry with these groups.   Since 1990, the Committee has shifted from a majority of hearing persons, denominational staff, to deaf persons who are volunteer representatives of their communions. The focus is on leader development and advocacy.   The goals of the Committee have become more deaf-generated and are showing forth the energies and drams of the Deaf people.

Current Activities:   The committee meets annually and offers a workshop/continuing education experience to its members and guests. In 2000 the focus was on issues between the generations in Deaf Culture.   In 2001 the focus was on overcoming racism.   An ASL video is under development to accompany the brochure, "Time to Listen."   In 2001 a goal long pursued by the Committee was achieved when St. Thomas University in Florida opened a Masters level pastoral education program in ministry with deaf people for deaf people.   It is the only such program in the country.

• Continuing education in 2002 to focus on sexuality and sexual minority members of the Deaf community
• A youth conference in 2003
• Presence via display table and ecumenical worship service in Deaf Way, a conference of several thousand Deaf people next year
• Short term mission projects in developing countries reaching to Deaf people there and promoting development of indigenous sign language systems

Membership: There are 100 people in the Committee's network/mailing list, 45 on the membership roster and annual attendance at Committee meetings averages 25-30 persons.

• American Baptist Churches in the USA
• Church of God (Anderson)
• Church of the Brethren
• Episcopal Conference of the Deaf
• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America / Evangelical Lutheran Deaf Association
• Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
• Mennonite Church
• Presbyterian Church (USA)
• The Roman Catholic Church - International Catholic Deaf Association
• United Church of Christ
• United Methodist Church / Committee on Developing Deaf Ministries

• Heritage Hospice
• Mill Neck Foundation for the Deaf Ministry
• National Catholic Office for the Deaf
• Schott Center for Persons Deaf or Disabled, Archdiocese of Miami

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Last time updated: April 4, 2002