The Role of Religious Communities in Reducing Stigma and Building Empathy Towards Children with Special Needs

Stigma toward children with special needs remains a social issue manifested through negative labeling, exclusion, unequal treatment, and perceptions that they are burdens to their families and communities. Previous studies have primarily examined inclusive education, psychological services, teacher training, and social policies, while the role of religious communities in transforming stigma into empathy requires further discussion. This study aims to analyze the role of religious communities in reducing stigma and fostering empathy toward children with special needs, as well as to explain how religious values can support inclusive social acceptance. This study employs a qualitative literature review approach, using thematic content analysis of relevant literature on social stigma, empathy, children with special needs, and religious communities. The literature synthesis indicates that religious communities can contribute through public education, family mentoring, inclusive participation, empowerment, cross-community collaboration, and inclusion campaigns. The study highlights the importance of moving beyond compassion toward justice, equal participation, and empowerment. It positions religious communities as socio-religious spaces that can connect changes in social perspectives, empathetic interactions, and inclusive practices. These findings provide a conceptual basis for understanding the contribution of religious communities to more equitable social acceptance.