[Magdalen] Religion Without God?

[Roger Stokes]

On 29/12/2014 19:49, ME Michaud wrote:
> Our parish hall is up a loooooong steeeeep flight of stairs.
> Only been there once.
>
> Three steps up to the altar rail and every Sunday I grasp the
> frail little handrail with both hands, hang my cane on my left
> arm, and struggle up them. Sideways.
> One step.
> Second step.
> Third step.
> Turn and straighten, set cane tip on the tiles, rebalance.
> Right in front of the whole congregation.
> I hate it. I hate it so much. But I keep doing it.

My last parish has steps to get up the altar-rail, and no handrail but 
plans are in hand for that.  I would bring communion down for those who 
could not manage the steps, generally at least a couple, but there were 
still those who insisted on coming up the steps when I would prefer them 
not to on the grounds of safety.  I certainly objected to anybody 
lending a helping hand because of the risks that entailed.  At one time 
I communicated everybody from a station "on the flat" but that was 
objected to - including by a young man in a wheelchair.

As for the term "disabled" my particular bete noire is "disabled tolet 
(bathroom)".  I think we all prefer one that works.

Roger