Why a Deaf Church such as St. Barnabas? 

Why have separate services in American Sign Language? Why not use interpreters at services to integrate Deaf people? 

1. ASL is the primary means of communication for the Deaf community in the U.S. (and much of Canada).

2. In a signed service, the emphasis is on the visual. 

3. Deaf people fully participate without having to use interpreters.   

4. Members of the congregation serve in any capacity such as Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Lay Readers, chairs of committees and all other leadership positions.  

5. Having a vicar who is fluent in ASL makes possible one-on-one personal counseling and general ease of communication with the congregation. 

6. The content of the sermon is focused on and relates to the  Deaf community and Deaf culture.