Pastoral Relationship with People with Intellectual ... - Theses

274refers in reference to Volf when she states, “[o]ur history of institutionalisation,and congregation into human services and special schools certainly fits here, andshows up the other side of exclusion: segregation and separation.” 662The relevance of ‘Embrace’ to this extended reflection is two-fold. Firstly,it serves to explain exclusion in a manner that describes the oppressivelydisempowering and segregating nature of institutions and the effect ofinstitutional influence upon those for whom they bear responsibility.Alternatively, it also holds up a vision of liberating relationship for people withintellectual disability, one characterised by empowerment, freedom of choice,nurtured identity and mutual regard.7.1.5 JourneyThe concept of care as Journey invites consideration of pastoral care as anongoing process. Engagement between carer and cared is not defined in terms ofmomentary encounter but as commitment and communion.Hallahan evokes the immigrant image of the journey to the distantAustralian shore to deconstruct myths and sentiments concerning the concept ofcommunity. In confronting these lies 663 she advocates for community solidaritywith those who live with disabilities, a “we mentality.” 664 It is a communion thatsays that not all humanity has walked away from people with disability and theprejudice, separation and segregation they have experienced and do experiencethrough institutional living. There is strength to be received by the oppressedthrough a moral commitment to journeying, 665 a strength that states that all life isworthy, including the lives of those who live with intellectual disability.This is a shared journey that allows life to be lived with dignity on anongoing basis, even in the knowledge that ideals concerning full inclusion and anend to prejudice may remain distant. As Hallahan states, “I believe a reachable‘farther shore’ is not so much a place to attain as a journey to be made incompany.” 666662 Hallahan, Embrace, 20.663 Hallahan, Lorna. ""Believe That a Farther Shore Is Reachable from Here": MappingCommunity as Moral Loving Journeying." In Voices in Disability and Spirituality from theLand Down Under, edited by Christopher Newell and Andy Calder, 33-44. (New York: TheHaworth Pastoral Press, 2004), 35.664ibid., 39.665ibid., 40-41.666ibid., 41.