‘It is a good place to cum here though in it’: sharing food and the experience of belonging for people with intellectual disabilities

People with intellectual disabilities, a largely marginalised group, need to know that there are places where they can experience true belonging through hospitality and friendship. They are not only looking for access, but acceptance and this acceptance needs to come from a place of understanding difference. My PhD research involved focus group discussions with people with intellectual disabilities speaking about their experiences of belonging in a local church. The value of friendship and enjoyment of sharing a weekly meal with other groups of people were key themes which emerged from the data. Based on reflections from my research findings, this paper considers theologically the significance of hospitality as well as the importance of sharing food and table fellowship. Hospitality is not just about providing food or a safe place, it includes recognising and valuing a person who may be perceived to be different. People with intellectual disabilities may need some extra support to do some things, but they also need to be respected as persons loved by God and given opportunities to develop their own unique gifts. An important aspect of hospitality is reciprocity which involves not only giving to but also receiving from the other. When there is fluidity between guest and host both parties can learn from each other and, among many other things, people with intellectual disabilities can teach the value of dependence, the acceptance of limitations, and the value of living in the moment. People with intellectual disabilities do not want to simply be 'guests' in our communities, they want to be involved in every aspect.