Norwich, UK
Baptist minister Sue Whalley preached the first ever sermon entirely in British Sign Language at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Sunday.
Hearing impaired people were given priority seating at the front of the cathedral so that they could follow the signing. An interpreter translated the sermon for the hearing members of the congregation.
John Beauchamp, the disability ministry enabler for the Church of England’s London diocese, said the sermon was “a significant moment for church in London and nationally, bringing attention to British Sign Language and the deaf community”.
Rev Sue Whalley preaching using sign language at St Paul’s Cathedral, London. PICTURE: Courtesy of St Paul’s Cathedral
British Sign Language was only accepted as an official language in England and Wales in April following years of campaigning. This was the first time that BSL had been used as a primary language during a church service at St Paul’s, although services have often been interpreted in the past.
During her training as a Baptist minister, Sue – who is deaf – has been working on placements with the London Deaf Church. This included a leadership and co-ordination role with deaf and deaf/blind people.
Beauchamp, told Sight that Whalley had based her sermon on the Gospel reading for the day, the story of the rich man and Lazarus, in which she reflected on the distance between them in life and death, the way this is reflected in the distances between people, and how Jesus calls us to love one another and close that distance.
“It was very well received. Lots of people came up to talk to us afterwards saying it was a very pleasant way of both signing and interpretation together. People appreciated it and some said it was the first service that felt totally inclusive. The rest of the service was conducted normally and signed throughout.”
Whalley said it was an “honour to give a sermon at St Pauls and to use sign language to share my reflections and thoughts on God”.
“As coordinator for London Deaf Churches I have seen how important Christianity and faith in Jesus Christ is to the many churchgoers from the deaf community,” she said.
“British Sign Language is the fourth most used language in the UK, with over 125,000 adults using it to communicate. The church is a place for people from different backgrounds and communities, and it is therefore essential that we are able to connect with all groups of people, including the segment of the population who are deaf.”
St Paul’s Cathedral in London. PICTURE: Courtesy of the Chapter of St Paul’s/Graham Lacdao
The Diocese of St Paul’s is now exploring ways in which such inclusivity can be increased.
“We want to do more such services in future,” said Beauchamp.
St Paul’s is also addressing inclusivity in other ways. The cathedral now has a multi-media guide that can be used by visitors and a signed version can be accessed on tablets and phones.
Whalley believes there is scope to increase this still further now that BSL is officially recognised as a primary language.
“People realise there are benefits in learning to use sign language in churches and that can be used to encourage people to develop and grow. I would like to see more sign language happening as a primary language within churches and see more services where hearing and deaf are involved together and working together.”
