More anti-christian discrimination
Recently there was another example of anti-Christian discrimination under the guise of equality legislation. David Booker, working for the Society of St James, a housing charity in Southampton, had a conversation with a colleague in which they discussed the question of homosexuality and the Church. He said that he didn't agree with same-sex marriages, didn't believe pastors or vicars should marry same-sex partners and didn't agree with practising homosexuals being a pastor or a vicar.
The next evening, he was given a notice that:
Links:
Daily Telegraph - Charity worker suspended over 'religious debate' with work colleague
Christian Legal Centre - Archbishop's Homeless Charity Suspends Christian for Answering Questions about His Faith to Colleague at Work
The next evening, he was given a notice that:
“On 26 March 09, whilst on shift with a female colleague, you seriously breached ECHG’s (English churches House group) Code of conduct by promoting your religious views which contained discriminatory comments regarding a person’s sexual orientation.”and formally suspended with the threat of dismissal for gross misconduct. Andrea Minichello-Williams, barrister and director of the Christian Legal Centresaid:
This case shows that in today’s politically correct, increasingly secularized society, even consenting reasonable discussion on religion between two employees is being twisted by employers to discriminate and silence the Christian voice and freedom of expression.His case is being taken up by the CLC and I would imagine that he has a reasonable chance of success. Nevertheless, this is a form of creeping intimidation which will frighten some Christians from expressing sincerely and charitably held beliefs.
Links:
Daily Telegraph - Charity worker suspended over 'religious debate' with work colleague
Christian Legal Centre - Archbishop's Homeless Charity Suspends Christian for Answering Questions about His Faith to Colleague at Work