Oh Ohhh New boss is an anti-Catholic

[johnnyc176]

And I knew it was coming, I knew she would eventually get around to voicing her opinion asking questions and giving me disapproving looks for being Catholic.
It all started with her letting me know that she, “doesn’t care what religion anyone is,” that in her words, “Catholics believe just as we do (Baptist) well, except we don’t believe in the Pope.” (she sort of rolled her eyes while saying that.)
I almost said," that’s a pity because the Pope is in the Bible." But I decided against it.

She then said something about someone in her church saying that Catholics go to church everyday. Add another eye roll here and a chuckle.

I explained that THAT was correct that there is Morning Mass and Adoration. She just stared at me. LOL

Well, it may be time to put out some more resumes.

Maybe she is searching for the Truth. You should look at this as a good opportunity to share the Truth of Jesus Christ and His Church. Invite her to attend Mass with you.

 

[agnes_therese]

It"s a shame how most Catholics here prefer the get even with the boss by reporting her to human services rather than to evangelize her as Randy Carson stated early on this thread. So much to learn, so little time.

It’s not a question of “getting even.” It’s a question of protecting the OP and fellow employees from a bully. Disparaging remarks about your employees’ faith has no place in a business environment.

 

[Lost_Sheep]

I also say to you that you are [l]Peter, and upon this [m]rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth [n]shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth [o]shall have been loosed in heaven.”

-Matt 16:18-19

15 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus *said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you [f]love Me more than these?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I [g]love You.” He *said to him, “Tend My lambs.” 16 He *said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you [h]love Me?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I *love You.” He *said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17 He *said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you [j]love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you [k]love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I [l]love You.” Jesus *said to him, “Tend My sheep.

-John 21:15-17

We all know the words POPE aren’t there, but a leader of the church universal certainly is.*

OK. I hear you.

My point is that the specific word “pope” is not in the Bible. Often protestants will make an argument that since the word “pope” is not in the Bible it is therefore some kind o heresy to follow him.

 

[MaryT777]

Maybe she is searching for the Truth. You should look at this as a good opportunity to share the Truth of Jesus Christ and His Church. Invite her to attend Mass with you.

This is a wonderful thought but proselytizing in the work place in most places can get you in serious “written up” trouble. I would leave it our of the workplace.

Mary.

 

[MaryT777]

It’s not a question of “getting even.” It’s a question of protecting the OP and fellow employees from a bully. Disparaging remarks about your employees’ faith has no place in a business environment.

Yes and if it’s against policy it may find the one who tries to “evangelize” instead of reporting the incident to human resources in trouble themselves with HR for whatever guidelines are in place regarding such conversations.

Mary.

 

[ClearWater]

Isn’t that over-reacting a bit?

I don’t think so. I’ve worked in many environments. I used to temp, as well. I’ve tried to deal with people who are antagonist like that, and in my experience, they don’t change.

I’ve sometimes stayed longer than I should have, waiting, hoping, trying things, reading books, but always, when I’ve been in a situation like that, I’ve ended up leaving, going instead where they would treat me with respect.

Also, especially if a supervisor starts out with an attitude like that, from the beginning, that’s even a worse sign, because that IS her best foot forward! It generally means it will tend to get worse…unless it’s somehow stopped.

If it’s stopped, it might be able to be salvaged, but if the put downs continue, she can work there, but it’d just be to see how much abuse she could withstand.

Life’s too short to be unhappy. Yeah really, put a few resumés in . Why not? If you get a better offer, say “adios” to the mistreatment. Let someone else be her punching bag or doormat!

 

[AnnArbor]

Just out of curiosity, how did you boss become aware that you are Catholic in the first place? While I agree that the boss’s comments are unprofessional and inappropriate, is there a chance they were made in response to something you said?

And you mentioned this happening in a variety of workplaces — how are all these people in the workplace finding out that you are Catholic?

 

[horselvr]

Thanks Jon S: Lost Sheep that is exactly what I was saying—NOT that the word Pope is in the Bible but St Peter (our first Pope) surely is.

I need to apologize to all here and should have explained my employment better to make things a bit clearer. There is no HR. There is no one to go to as in a corp office.

I am kept on a retainer by this woman as her pet-sitter/house sitter/personal assistant. I was thrilled to finally find a job after being laid off about 4 yrs ago and at my age that is pretty tough.

Evangelizing comes quite easy for me as I have had plenty of practice at it and am pretty well versed on my Catholic faith. While I have evangelized Southern Baptists before evangelizing a SB employer is a first. I have always been more than ready to defend my faith but now my job could be on the line in doing so and that gives me reason for pause. I do have to eat and continue to eek out my mortgage. Knowing how passionate I can be when defending the faith I find this worrisome. I can be ever so respectful of someones faith and I actually love explaining Catholicism to someone as long as they are also respectful. With the eye rolling and the little chuckles thrown in I just don’t know how long I could maintain my cool. LOL

The reason Catholicism came up was she wanted me to work on Sundays and I told her that I would need to be able to attend Mass—MASS not church and that was her first clue I am Catholic. The door swung wide open from there. I told her that I could also go to Mass on Saturday to fulfill my obligation if need be but that I preferred to go to Mass on Sunday.

Anyway, I did try to change the subject with her several times and also told her that I prefer not to discuss religion but she ignored that and kept pressing and asking about my feelings about anti-Catholic attitudes until I finally said that generally when someone is anti-Catholic reading up on church history and the OCF’s would be beneficial.

Anyway that is where we left that conversation. I will have to work on Sunday after Mass so I am praying things go smoothly. Thanks all for your (name removed by moderator)ut—I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out.

 

[johnnyc176]

This is a wonderful thought but proselytizing in the work place in most places can get you in serious “written up” trouble. I would leave it our of the workplace.

Mary.

The reason it is a good opportunity is because the boss is the one who brought up the subject in the first place. It’s not proselytizing if you are answering questions.or correcting.

 

[horselvr]

Ann Arbor: I never said that this has happened before in the work place. Actually, this is the first time I have ever had an employer remark about my faith. I’m not really sure where you got that from.

Now, I have had family members nail me down about still being a Catholic and I have had a few friends get a bit anti-Catholic but never in the workplace before.

Thanks to all of you for your (name removed by moderator)ut.

 

[Cat]

The best way to evangelize in the workplace is by being Christlike in all your words and deeds. No preaching or apologetics or clever replies to taunts. Just a good, faith-filled life.

As for “getting even with the boss,” that’s not what this is about. Most companies have policies in place to stop employees from creating a hostile work environment. Sometimes these policies backfire, and employees get fired for something as innocuous as wearing cross necklace. But most of the time, these policies are good. No one should have to put up with harassment, bullying, threats, physical intimidation, or religious proselytizing to keep their job.

And as Christians, we should not break rules to evangelize. As I said, the best way to evangelize is always through our lives, not our words.

“Reporting” someone is doing a great kindness to ALL your fellow employees. It is also a kindness to your own family, who will definitely suffer if you are fired.

IMO, it is a risky thing to “warn” a fellow employee or supervisor that you will report them if they continue their harassing behavior. Chances are good that they will beat you to the punch and come up with some way to report YOU, and YOU will lose your job, and YOUR family will suffer the consequences of no income. Not a wise thing in this economy. Keep in mind that other companies may be loathe to hire someone who has been fired. Even though you don’t have to reveal your reasons for leaving a company (e.g., getting fired), human resources departments can find these things out so easily nowadays, and you may find yourself part of the “permanently unemployed.”

So what you have to do is come up with a way to let the boss or employee know in a kind and non-threatening way that you would appreciate it if we stick to work while we’re at work. Hopefully the person will take the hint and stop.

But if they don’t, I think it is wrong NOT to report their behavior and protect yourself and others in your workplace.

 

[Catholic_farmer]

I am a direct sort of person. I would ask to speak to her in private and clarify your beliefs. That is defending your faith. Something subtle such as, “You brought up my religion and I would like to clear up any misconceptions you may have.”

Then, I would state, politely, that you would appreciate it if she would refrain from making any disparaging remarks about your faith in the future. Be polite and kind, but do not tolerate snide remarks about Catholicism.

If it continues, she was warned.

My guess is that she will immediately back down and say she didn’t mean it that way. She will probably watch her step in the future.

Too many people are accustomed to steam rolling over Catholics that don’t dare say a word.

 

[clintonm]

Too many people are accustomed to steam rolling over Catholics that don’t dare say a word.

Too many Catholics are meek about their faith, or apologize for being Catholic to others. I used to be one of those Catholics. Then I realized that I have been armed with Christ’s truth and now have no remorse about correcting people’s views on the Church.

 

[AnnArbor]

Ann Arbor: I never said that this has happened before in the work place. Actually, this is the first time I have ever had an employer remark about my faith. I’m not really sure where you got that from.

Now, I have had family members nail me down about still being a Catholic and I have had a few friends get a bit anti-Catholic but never in the workplace before.

Thanks to all of you for your (name removed by moderator)ut.

Oops, sorry. That was Clearwater.

 

[KendraDZ1902]

I would definitely report it to HR. You shouldn’t be treated that way in the workplace.

 

[thequeen]

You beat me to it, Phemie. I’d be making an appointment with the head of Human Resources. Her comments are unprofessional, and could be considered to create a hostile work environment.

If you decide you can’t do that until you get another job lined up, I totally understand. But PLEASE do report her, whether before or after you leave.

I would do the same thing.

 

[Rob_Arnzen]

What are all the other Christians doing/saying about her comments? Sounds like there is a great opportunity for evangelizing not only from the Catholic.

That would probably be unwise. The workplace is supposed to be free of racial, sexual, and religious controversy and tension.

You could be the victim of anti-Catholicism and, in trying to respond, wind up with YOURSELF facing a hostile work environment allegation.

If you live in an area where Catholics are far and few between, and the dominant religious belief is something which is inimical to the Faith a certain amount of reserve is warranted.

.

 

[tonyfish58]

And I knew it was coming, I knew she would eventually get around to voicing her opinion asking questions and giving me disapproving looks for being Catholic.
It all started with her letting me know that she, “doesn’t care what religion anyone is,” that in her words, “Catholics believe just as we do (Baptist) well, except we don’t believe in the Pope.” (she sort of rolled her eyes while saying that.)
I almost said," that’s a pity because the Pope is in the Bible." But I decided against it.

She then said something about someone in her church saying that Catholics go to church everyday. Add another eye roll here and a chuckle.

I explained that THAT was correct that there is Morning Mass and Adoration. She just stared at me. LOL

Well, it may be time to put out some more resumes.

Dear horselvr

I personally would consider these passages before taking any action;

Matthew 7:2"For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4"Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye?…

The key is a persons Love for God, after all what are a few sly remarks taken in the path of the Love of God? Many have had to face death for their Faith.

Would not the best option be Prayer and Kindness. Then Lead by example, show that a Catholic is a person of Virtues and not of contention?

God Bless your efforts and compassion with this issue.

Regards Tony

 

[Cat]

I am a direct sort of person. I would ask to speak to her in private and clarify your beliefs. That is defending your faith. Something subtle such as, “You brought up my religion and I would like to clear up any misconceptions you may have.”

Then, I would state, politely, that you would appreciate it if she would refrain from making any disparaging remarks about your faith in the future. Be polite and kind, but do not tolerate snide remarks about Catholicism.

If it continues, she was warned.

My guess is that she will immediately back down and say she didn’t mean it that way. She will probably watch her step in the future.

Too many people are accustomed to steam rolling over Catholics that don’t dare say a word.

It sounds like a good idea, but I think it would backfire on the Catholic. I think the supervisor would claim “religious harassment”, even if she agreed to have the appointment.

Think about how you would feel if it was you who was asked by another worker for a private talk about their beliefs/creeds. You would have to stand there and not answer back or try to refute them because then they could claim harassment. Awkward.

No, I think that work is work. In the United States in our workplaces, we come into contact with people from all faiths. This wasn’t the way it was in the past, when almost everyone was either Christian (and churched in a denominational church) or Jewish. Nowadays, there are so many religious beliefs and creeds, and the best policy is to avoid all talk of religion in the workplace.

If we want to tell our co-workers about our faith, we need to first spend the time and expend the effort to become friends with them not only at work, but outside of work, and THAT is tricky, too, since many people (myself included) try very hard to separate work friends from outside friends.

But if you can have work friends as regular friends, then do so, and OUTSIDE of work during one of your friendship activities, you can tell them about Jesus.

I think that work is hard enough to manage without getting involved in workplace conflicts. That’s the kind of thing that erodes the workplace team and makes it hard to have any productivity. It kills morale, as people tip-toe around each other to avoid making others mad or sad.

Best to keep discussions of religion, politics, race, etc. OUT of the workplace. The boss in the OP’s situation is way out of line. One friendly hint from the OP with the hope of perhaps helping the boss to recognize that she is in danger, and if she doesn’t get the hint and keeps picking at Catholicism, the OP should report her to HR.

 

[adf417]

That would probably be unwise. The workplace is supposed to be free of racial, sexual, and religious controversy and tension.

You could be the victim of anti-Catholicism and, in trying to respond, wind up with YOURSELF facing a hostile work environment allegation.

If you live in an area where Catholics are far and few between, and the dominant religious belief is something which is inimical to the Faith a certain amount of reserve is warranted.
.

Hi Rob. I was not necessary insisting it (correcting or fellow Christians) be done at work. Just insisting it be done.

If I hear a fellow Catholic say something derogatory or untrue about another (non-Catholic) Christian, I believe it is as much my responsibility as anybody to correct them.

Peace!!!