Archbishop Peter Smith has spoken of “seriously troubling practices” in workplaces highlighted by a report out last week which showed that Christians feel pressured to keep their faith hidden and are discriminated against when it comes to wearing religious symbols.
The study by the Equality and Human Rights Commission [EHRC] also showed that some Christians are mocked at work for being “bigoted”. It followed a series of high profile legal cases involving alleged discrimination, including one in Northern Ireland last year when a Christian bakery was subject to a legal claim, supported by the Equality Commission of Northern Ireland, for refusing to produce a cake with a slogan supporting same-sex marriage.
Christians from a range of denominations formed the biggest group of some 2,500 respondents in the report, which found widespread confusion about how the law relates to religious belief.
The Archbishop of Southwark, who is chairman of the bishops' conference's department for Christian responsibility and citizenship, acknowledged that some work-places are inclusive. But he added: [The] findings have also highlighted some examples of seriously troubling practices including people being treated unfavourably or prevented from expressing their faith”.
The archbishop went on: “Most striking is the level of uncertainty among employers, service providers, workers and students about how laws protecting freedom of religion or belief should be implemented in practice … I understand that the ECHR will be using these findings in a review of current legislation and the production of further guidance. This offers a valuable opportunity to ensure that everybody is treated with fairness, dignity and respect – and that the positive contribution people of faith bring to society is more truly recognised.”
In the report, a Catholic participant said: “The wearing or ‘showing of’ a crucifix, rosary or any other Catholic jewellery was forbidden, yet nose rings, tongue piercings and tattoos were OK.”
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