Christians in the UK are having a rough time of it, based on a survey of – um - Christians in the UK. In a recent article in the Daily Telegraph, it is reported that a survey of members of the Church of England synod aren't happy with the way things are going for Christians in the workplace. So let's take a look at these results, shall we?
The long and short of it is that a whopping 63% of members feel that Christians are discriminated against at work. I must admit to being somewhat of a cynical person, and few things make me smile more than when a majority group complains about being treated unfairly. Here, gentle readers, is such an example.
The examples presented in the article are largely anecdotal. While, admittedly, one of the examples seems a bit over-the-top, we don't get to hear from the employer as to the full reason the employee was actually suspended. I have the feeling that things don't end there.
However, in the cited examples, coupled with a quote about it being their job to turn non-Christians and non-believers into Christians - well, something tells me they're blurring the line between their paid, professional jobs and their "religious jobs."
What the article doesn't mention if how the same people would react if people of other religions did the same things at work; not to mention, how they would feel if the same punishments were meted out to those of other religions?
The fact of the matter is that one's religious convictions should have no bearing on how the workplace is governed. Further, perhaps the people in this article who decide that their mission is to convert people like me - well, don't they realize how condescending that is?
Our societies, and workplaces, have changed massively over the years. There's a place for every person in the workplace, but there doesn't necessarily need to be a place for any religion.