Deaf Culture
The Heart of the Deaf Community
Deaf culture and sign language are at the heart of the Deaf community that has been carried down for centuries. These support the Christian faith to grow.
Accessibility
Communication Accessibility
Ask most Deaf and hard of hearing United Methodists who use sign language what’s important to them at church and they’ll likely tell you it is communication accessibility.
Deaf Ministry & Missions
Serving the Church and Community
Serving our churches and our communities are often what Deaf and hard of hearing United Methodists do. More are becoming Deaf Certified Lay Servants (CLS). UMCD also offers a limited number of microgrants for implementing a Deaf ministry.
Advocacy
A Place for All
UMCD continues to advocate for accessibility and inclusion for all Deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind individuals to participate in the life of the church. Read the Overcoming Ableism & Audism resolution.
- UMCD offers periodic webinars that support interest in Deaf ministries.
- The offering of limited microgrants by UMCD supports new and innovative Deaf ministries.
- UMCD supports other caucuses and recognizes the intersection of Deaf or DeafBlind identity and racial, ethnic & other social identities.
Mission Statement
The United Methodist Congress of the Deaf (UMCD) is dedicated to advocating for the inclusion and leadership of Deaf individuals within the church community, fostering a supportive environment for all.
Core Values
We believe in the importance of inclusion, advocacy, and community support for Deaf individuals, promoting their leadership and discipleship in faith.
Our Vision
To create a church environment where Deaf individuals are fully included and empowered to lead, fostering a vibrant community of faith.
Community Engagement
UMCD actively engages with the Deaf community through events, workshops, and outreach programs to promote awareness and inclusion.
Leadership Development
We focus on developing Christian leadership skills among Deaf individuals, ensuring their voices are heard and valued in the church.
Advocacy Efforts
Our advocacy efforts aim to raise awareness about the needs and contributions of the Deaf community within the United Methodist Church.
UMCD Membership
UMCD offers membership to Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, and hearing allies, including sign language interpreters who support Deaf leadership and inclusion in The United Methodist Church. UMCD provides advocacy, collaboration, and general support for the participation in the life of the church. There are five membership types – the fifth type is a “non-member.” The cost is $25 per year and financial assistance is available for individuals who are unable to afford it. Click here to become a member.
Please contact Rev. Dr. Sandi Johnson at [email protected] if you have questions.
Full Member
UMCD Members are typically Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, and hearing United Methodists, including sign language interpreters, who have or are currently participating in Deaf ministries. UMCD members are Full Members with both voice and voting privileges. Annual membership cost is $25. Click here to become a member.
Supporting Member
Supporting Members are United Methodists who ARE NOT actively participating in a Deaf Ministry. Supporting members can be members of a United Methodist church (such as hearing persons) or a United Methodist caucus who wish to support the work and advocacy of UMCD. Supporting members are members with voice only (no voting privileges). Annual membership cost is $25. Click here to become a member.
Affiliate Member
Affiliate Members are individuals from other denominations, (non-United Methodist) caucuses, and/or organizations (such as members of ELM) that wish to support the work and advocacy of UMCD. Affiliate members are members with no voice nor voting privileges. Annual membership cost is $25. Click here to become a member.
Church or Group Member
Church or Group Member is for individual United Methodist churches or ministry group who wish to be a member in order to support Deaf ministries and the work and advocacy of UMCD. Church members are members with no voice nor voting privileges. Annual membership cost is $25. Click here to become a member.
Non-Member/ Visitor
Non-members are individuals / visitors who do not wish to become a formal member but would like to be affiliated with UMCD, receive its emails and such. They are no voice nor voting privileges. There is NO cost for being a non-member. Click here to become a member (non-member).