UK Government Laywers Tell Christians: Leave Faith at Home or Find a New Job!”

Country: European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

Date of incident: January 1, 1970


Government lawyers have told the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that Christians should “leave their religious beliefs at home or move to another job” when faced with a clash between the requirements of their faith and their employment.

The statements were made in opposition to four crucial Christian freedom cases heard before the European Court of Human Rights September 4th, as well as two brought by former nurse Shirley Chaplin and British Airways worker, Nadia Eweida, who were penalized for wearing a cross at work. A lawyer representing the Government, James Eadie QC, expressed his view: “Employees are free to resign if they find their employment incompatible with their religious beliefs.  They can obtain alternative employment in which they can reflect their religion as they wish.” He continued the governmental submission commenting that the wearing of a cross was not a “scriptural requirement” or a “generally recognised” act of worship, such as wearing the Muslim headscarf or Sikh turban, and employers were therefore exempt from a legal obligation to accommodate the practice.” Mrs Chaplin, who was removed from nursing after 38 years for wanting to wear the cross, stated that she felt “insulted” by the Government’s submission: “My Christian faith isn’t something that you put on and then take off to go to work. It is with you 24/7. It is my identity, it is who I am, I cannot chop and change it,” she said. For the cases mentioned above see: http://www.intoleranceagainstchristians.eu/case/christian-nurse-loses-battle-to-wear-crucifix-at-work.html http://www.intoleranceagainstchristians.eu/case/ruling-in-ba-cross-case-legality-of-suspension-upheld.html Sources: Christian Concern: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/religious-freedom/british-government-christians-should-leave-faith-at-the-door-or-get-a The Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9520026/Christians-should-leave-their-beliefs-at-home-or-get-another-job.html