Deaf chaplaincy

On behalf of the General Synod, the deputaatschap pastoraat in health care participates in the national board of the Interchurch Deaf Pastorate. The IDP is an interdenominational cooperation of the PKN, CGK, NGK and GKv. The basis for this cooperation lies in scripture and confession.

The work is done out of a desire for deaf and hearing church members to be church together. The goal is for deaf people to participate fully in the church.

Our deputation is responsible for appointing and supervising a deaf pastor.

The national board of the IDP consists of delegates from the participating churches. A number of national task forces also function under the board and do most of the executive work.

A team of deaf pastors is attached to the IDP. Congregations that have deaf members can call on these deaf pastors. You can also contact them with questions about deafness, hearing impairment, etc.

Each of the deaf pastors has a part of the Netherlands as its working area. In his working area, each deaf pastor is responsible for all deaf people from the different churches.

Deaf pastors are involved as advisers in the regional Interdenominational Committees for Deaf Pastoral Care. These ICs consist of deaf and hearing members of churches in the region.

For more information on the IDP, deaf pastors and ICs see:

• Contact parents of deaf children and discuss, among other things, what their child needs to participate fully in the community.
• Have an eye for hearing-impaired and deaf congregation members and let them indicate what they need for good communication.
• Make sure there is a good loop in the church hall and other halls.
• Engage the deaf chaplaincy for advice and guidance.
• Engage congregation members who are sign language proficient or offer congregation members a sign language course.
• Have a special eye for members from the deaf-plus-plus group and seek an appropriate form of pastoral care and catechesis with them.