The pre-assembly acknowledged that ecumenical formation and leadership for many people begin with participation in major ecumenical events like the World Council of Churches (WCC) assembly. Those gathered reiterated that persons with disabilities should not be excluded from this opportunity. “We are here to know and welcome each other. This is the first time some of us are coming to a WCC assembly or even stepping into an ecumenical movement. We are happy when new persons join the ecumenical movement, as that means more people to keep the work going,” said Rev. Kelli Parish-Lucas of First Congregational Church of Rock Springs, Wyoming (USA) as she welcomed the new members. Upon induction, the new members expressed joy to be part of the ecumenical movement. “As a young deaf woman, I am very happy to join the ecumenical movement. I will use my talents to enrich the ecumenical movement,” said Rev. Mary Chipoka of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe. Added Carlos Augusto Pillot Diaz of the Baptist Convention of Eastern Cuba, “It is a pleasant experience to join the ecumenical movement. I look forward to sharing my experience as a person with a disability from Cuba, and I look forward to learning from other persons with disabilities in other churches.” Participants of the pre-assembly also took time to express their expectations for the upcoming WCC 11th Assembly. In the next two days, the Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network Pre-Assembly will celebrate the gifts persons with disabilities bring to the ecumenical movement, visit wounds through the experiences of women with disabilities, and explore ways to transform injustices through the voices of young persons with disabilities. Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network Pre-Assembly Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany | 
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