The Anglican Disability Network is set to hold its first Disability Ministry Summit in Wellington this June 19 - 21, bringing together a never-before convened thinktank on disability action, including Christian leaders and experts with lived experience of disability. 

Anglican leaders turning out to resource and learn at the Summit will include Archbishop Justin Duckworth, Archdeacon Mere Wallace, Archbishop Phillip Richardson and Lady Tureiti Moxon.

The Summit will set out pathways to full inclusion for the diverse people who make up the Anglican Church, taking in perspectives from six experienced commentators on disability issues.

Summit speakers will illustrate how churches can better welcome and include people from Deaf and Blind communities, Neurodiverse Christians, and Christian leaders living with disability. 

Presenters will also share their research and stories from the frontline of disability advocacy, disability theology and look closely into 'full inclusion' as a tenet of human rights.

The six speakers confirmed for this June's Disability Ministry Summit are:

David Loving-Molloy
David Loving-Molloy has transitioned into the role of Pou Ārahi o Whakauru – Leader and Advisor for Inclusiveness with the Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North. With nearly thirty years of service as Chaplain to the Deaf Community, David now oversees spiritual growth and ministry for the Deaf, hard of hearing, and those who experience disability.

Hilary Willett
Hilary Willett, recently inducted Anglican vicar of Mania Rauhea/Hanmer Springs, in the Diocese of Ōtautahi Christchurch is a Christian leader with ADHD. She is passionate about neurodivergent and disabled inclusion in the church, as she believes that Christ invites, calls, and welcomes all people into the whānau of God.

Gray Ruffell
Since the age of seventeen, Gray has visited Hawkes Bay schools and spoken to children about the realities of everyday life with disability. Since then in his roles as a marriage celebrant, community educator, radio deejay and theatre actor he has realised the power of honest vulnerable communication and the difference that it can make in the community around us.

Karen Plimmer
Karen Plimmer is completing a Master's degree in Music at the University of Auckland, specialising in creative practice and assistive music technology. Alongside her creative and academic work, she is also the parent of a lively and curious seven-year-old. Before beginning postgraduate study, Karen worked in the disability sector for more than twenty years, where she frequently encountered the tension between ideal outcomes for disabled people, limited resources and funding priorities.

Carolyn Tregea
Carolyn is Deafblind, lives in Wanaka, has a Degree in Theology from the University of Otago and is a Spiritual Companion. She loves Bible studies, baking, singing, dancing, and knitting. While working at Otago Polytechnic and studying theology she was able to share with health students how important Disability Theology is in people’s lives.

Prudence Walker
As the Disability Rights Commissioner and rainbow/ health/ housing rights spokesperson for Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | New Zealand Human Rights Commission, Prudence is deeply committed to advancing equity for all people. With 25 years of advisory and governance experience, Prudence is a strategic thinker, and their work has always involved a strong people focus.

As well as presentations, the June Disability Summit will include chances to contribute to discussions and plans, and enjoy a thought-piquing Saturday night performance amidst good company in an inclusive environment. 

Bookings for the weekend are available until Friday 5th June at https://anglicandisability.org/events/2026/anglican-disability-summit-2026.

For more information please contact Summit Coordinator: Rev Leo Te Kira -  leo.in.napier(at)gmail.com