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The Christian Institute on Disability

Human life can now be copied and replicated, altered and aborted, cloned and euthanized, patented and redefined. It is, in fact, western culture’s fundamental fear of disability and suffering which is fueling the maddening pace toward eugenics and the redefinition of what it means to be human. Christians are called to make a difference in this brave, new and dangerous world.

Joni and Friends is an advocate for the sanctity of human life. To that end, Joni and Friends has established a key department, The Christian Institute on Disability (CID). The CID is aggressively promoting life, human dignity and the value of all individuals – despite their disabling condition–from a biblical perspective through course work such as Beyond Suffering.

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Our Strategy: Education, Training & Equipping

Education & Training
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Preparing ministers, lay leaders and students to evangelize, include, and empower those affected by disability. Degree programs and course work offered at universities and seminaries in the U.S. and around the world are designed to equip a new generation of leaders for effective disability ministry.

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Public Policy
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Bringing together theologians, ethicists, educators, doctors, and attorneys to address hotly debated disability-related issues such as: physician-assisted suicide, euthanasia, and embryonic stem cell research to present a clear, reasonable and biblically-based perspective on these issues.

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Missions & Internships
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Through national and international disability internship opportunities, Joni and Friends is equipping students to become leaders in disability ministry to transform lives affected by disability through the Gospel, impact their churches and communities for Christ, and advocate for justice, freedom, and equality for people affected by disability.

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Recent Policy Papers from the C.I.D.

The Christian Institute on Disability aggressively promotes life, human dignity, and the value of all individuals ­ despite their disabling condition ­ from a biblical perspective. Here Joni Eareckson Tada and other Christian professionals provide their positions on hotly debated issues.

  • Bioethics Brief Series: End of Life Care

    All human life is a gift from God and ought to be cherished for that reason alone. That all human life has value can be seen not only in the doctrine of the image of God (Ge. 1 & 2), but also in the biblical picture of a God who cares for the weakest among us. These truths ought to guide our treatment of the sick, the disabled, the very young, and the very old. End of life care is an issue precisely because of the events that took place in Genesis 3.

  • A Disturbing Presence?

    “A disability should not be a death sentence. No one should be allowed to decide that an innocent life is not worth saving,” said Matt Bowman, ADF Legal Counsel.

  • Position on Embryonic Stem Cell Research

    We at Joni and Friends value a culture of life and believe that all life is to be valued and treated with respect. This includes the life of the embryo, which is just as much a living human as a full-term infant, a child, teenager, adult or senior citizen.

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