Adventists united in a national initiative that challenged the Church and society to create more opportunities for the inclusion of people with disabilities. The idea for the “All in Step” initiative emerged in 2025, during a MIDRAS planning meeting at the Portuguese Union of Seventh-day Adventists (UPASD), as the team sought meaningful ways to mark the end of the 120th-anniversary celebrations of Adventism in Portugal.
Rather than simply organizing a commemorative event, the goal was to develop an action with an impact on society, demonstrating that Adventists are present in communities and care about social challenges. The proposal involved uniting the efforts of the UPASD associations, ministries, and services around a common cause.
Following a presentation by the Adventist Possibilities Ministries (APM), it became evident that both the Adventist church in Portugal and society in general still have a long road to walk regarding the inclusion of people with disabilities. Thus, this cause became the center of the initiative.
From Awareness to Action
Conceived as an awareness-raising and advocacy campaign, “All in Step” sought to awaken consciences and encourage the creation of concrete opportunities to enable people with disabilities to fully participate in the life of the Church and society.
The campaign comprised four components. A photography contest invited reflection on inclusion through imagery. Several workshops on inclusion provided opportunities for learning and dialogue. An artistic petition, materialized in a collective artwork, sought to express everyone's commitment to this cause. Finally, the Possibilities Relay brought the message into the public sphere, mobilizing participants in different regions of the country.
Each activity was designed to contribute to a common objective: to show that inclusion is not achieved solely through good intentions, but that it also requires participation, commitment, and the removal of the barriers that prevent so many people from fully exercising their rights.
In addition to the actions carried out at the Adventist Youth Congress (AY), the ADRA delegates' meeting, Health Day, and the multiple APM activities throughout the year, we highlight two examples of best practices. The first is the creation and launch of a new AY specialty at the National Pathfinders Camp focusing on inclusion, where 175 children aged 6 to 11 had the opportunity to work through its content with great enthusiasm and success. The second was the National Family Camp—held under the theme of inclusion—where, daily, over 200 participants were sensitized and trained regarding hearing impairment, visual impairment, neurodiversity, and reduced mobility.
A Message That Mobilized
The Possibilities Relay was one of the most visible moments of the initiative. With actions in Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Faro, and Lisbon, it sought to mobilize a human wave in defense of inclusion.
Around 500 people were involved in the initiative overall, demonstrating that this cause can mobilize different generations, ministries, and communities.
The initiative had the support of the Municipal Councils of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Faro, as well as the Parish Council of Areeiro in Lisbon. This collaboration with local authorities reinforced the importance of uniting efforts among religious institutions, public entities, and civil society in responding to the challenges of inclusion.
Coordination was led by ADRA Portugal, the Adventist Possibilities Ministries (APM), the International Temperance Association (ITA), and the Adventist Youth Association (AYA), with contributions from colleagues in other Adventist ministries.
This interdepartmental collaboration was, in itself, an important learning experience. By placing different skills, resources, and contact networks at the service of a common cause, it was possible to build an initiative that went beyond the limits of a single structure or ministry.
Inclusion Begins Within Us
The message of the “All in Step” initiative addresses society, but it also challenges the Church itself. Being an inclusive community means more than welcoming people with disabilities into our buildings. It implies ensuring accessibility, listening to their needs, valuing their contributions, and creating real opportunities for participation in spiritual, community, and organizational life.
People with disabilities should not be seen merely as recipients of care or assistance. They are individuals with capabilities, dreams, experiences, and contributions that enrich the communities to which they belong.
Therefore, awareness must translate into concrete changes: identifying barriers, adapting spaces and activities, promoting inclusive attitudes, and involving people with disabilities themselves in decisions that concern them.
A Path That Continues
Achieving participation and establishing collaboration are reasons for satisfaction. However, the true impact of the initiative is not measured solely by the number of participants or the visibility of the activities. It is also measured by the conversations it sparked, the attitudes it helped question, and the changes it may inspire.
120 years of Adventism in Portugal provided the occasion for this initiative, but its message remains current: faith is also expressed in the way we welcome, value, and create opportunities for others.
What barriers can we remove in our churches? What voices do we need to listen to? What opportunities can we create so that everyone participates fully?
We do not all have to walk the same way to move forward together. That is the challenge of truly being all in step.
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