Persecution at Work

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allen2690

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Yesterday at work, I was told by my assistant manager to remove the Miraculous Medal that I have been wearing since it violates the organization’s policy. I obeyed her request, but when I consulted the employee handbook it did not say anything about forbidding workers from wearing any religious symbols. It only stated that employees are forbidden to wear t-shirts with slogans, images, or words that contain sexually explicit, political, or religious themes. But according to her, a religious medal falls into that category. I should even point out that there are many Muslim workers who wear the hijab and have a special place to pray in the break room (“equality” at its finest). Nevertheless, I showed up to work today with the medal and was again told to remove it, this time by my manager and his supervisor. I adamantly argued that it was my right to wear the medal and that the employee handbook does not prohibit the wearing of religious symbols. I also added that I am not here to evangelize or convert anyone and I keep my beliefs to myself. I even asked them why they allow the hijab and a Muslim prayer space at work but I’m not allowed to wear my medal. They told me that the Muslims pray during their break time and can do whatever they want during their break, which for some reason to them is acceptable and does not violate the organization’s policy. This whole ordeal left me angry, upset, and with lots of tears. It was the first time I cried in front of my co workers.

Surprisingly, I received much support from two assistant managers, who happen to be Muslims by the way, and other fellow co-workers. My colleague, who is a practising Buddhist, gave me lots of words of support. She told me to stand firm for my Catholic faith, even to the point of death, and to pray for strength in times of persecution.

When I think about what I went through today, I am very thankful that the form of persecution that I endured was nothing compared to what our fellow brothers and sisters are going through at the hands of ISIS. I pray that Our Lord, through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, would give us all the grace of a firm faith, especially at times of persecution.
 
You are doing a good job standing up for your rights and the Church, but what is the next step? Are the managers going to continue to demand that you remove the medal or have they backed down? Maybe you should look into hiring an employment lawyer, just in case. Keep the faith! :knight1:
 
Praying to the Holy Spirit to give you guidance, direction, strength, fortitude & wisdom in your time of need.
 
allen2690 said:
Yesterday at work, I was told by my assistant manager to remove the Miraculous Medal that I have been wearing since it violates the organization’s policy. I obeyed her request, but when I consulted the employee handbook it did not say anything about forbidding workers from wearing any religious symbols. It only stated that employees are forbidden to wear t-shirts with slogans, images, or words that contain sexually explicit, political, or religious themes. But according to her, a religious medal falls into that category. I should even point out that there are many Muslim workers who wear the hijab and have a special place to pray in the break room (“equality” at its finest). Nevertheless, I showed up to work today with the medal and was again told to remove it, this time by my manager and his supervisor. I adamantly argued that it was my right to wear the medal and that the employee handbook does not prohibit the wearing of religious symbols. I also added that I am not here to evangelize or convert anyone and I keep my beliefs to myself. I even asked them why they allow the hijab and a Muslim prayer space at work but I’m not allowed to wear my medal. They told me that the Muslims pray during their break time and can do whatever they want during their break, which for some reason to them is acceptable and does not violate the organization’s policy. This whole ordeal left me angry, upset, and with lots of tears. It was the first time I cried in front of my co workers.

Surprisingly, I received much support from two assistant managers, who happen to be Muslims by the way, and other fellow co-workers. My colleague, who is a practising Buddhist, gave me lots of words of support. She told me to stand firm for my Catholic faith, even to the point of death, and to pray for strength in times of persecution.

When I think about what I went through today, I am very thankful that the form of persecution that I endured was nothing compared to what our fellow brothers and sisters are going through at the hands of ISIS. I pray that Our Lord, through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, would give us all the grace of a firm faith, especially at times of persecution.
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As Christ prophesied, the world hated Him before they hated you. You are blessed to be persecuted in His Name! 👍
 
That’s horrible, I’m sorry for your troubles with this and you will certainly be in my prayers. It’s also a blessing to have so many supportive colleagues.

Matthew 5:11, Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
 
Continue to wear it under your clothes. If they can’t see it they can’t ask you to remove it.
Are you a woman? My mother used to pin hers to her “unmentionables”. 😉
God bless.
 
Wear the cross next time and if they ask you take it off call fox news.
 
allen2690 said:
Yesterday at work, I was told by my assistant manager to remove the Miraculous Medal that I have been wearing since it violates the organization’s policy. I obeyed her request, but when I consulted the employee handbook it did not say anything about forbidding workers from wearing any religious symbols. It only stated that employees are forbidden to wear t-shirts with slogans, images, or words that contain sexually explicit, political, or religious themes. But according to her, a religious medal falls into that category. I should even point out that there are many Muslim workers who wear the hijab and have a special place to pray in the break room (“equality” at its finest). Nevertheless, I showed up to work today with the medal and was again told to remove it, this time by my manager and his supervisor. I adamantly argued that it was my right to wear the medal and that the employee handbook does not prohibit the wearing of religious symbols. I also added that I am not here to evangelize or convert anyone and I keep my beliefs to myself. I even asked them why they allow the hijab and a Muslim prayer space at work but I’m not allowed to wear my medal. They told me that the Muslims pray during their break time and can do whatever they want during their break, which for some reason to them is acceptable and does not violate the organization’s policy. This whole ordeal left me angry, upset, and with lots of tears. It was the first time I cried in front of my co workers.

Surprisingly, I received much support from two assistant managers, who happen to be Muslims by the way, and other fellow co-workers. My colleague, who is a practising Buddhist, gave me lots of words of support. She told me to stand firm for my Catholic faith, even to the point of death, and to pray for strength in times of persecution.

When I think about what I went through today, I am very thankful that the form of persecution that I endured was nothing compared to what our fellow brothers and sisters are going through at the hands of ISIS. I pray that Our Lord, through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, would give us all the grace of a firm faith, especially at times of persecution.
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It’s not surprising that your Muslim and Buddhist colleagues stood up for you. This isn’t just about Jesus - this is about all expressions of faith.
 
Praying for you, that sounds like an unpleasant and upsetting thing to happen. It’s ironic really, as most non-Catholics haven’t got a clue what a Miraculous Medal is, in any case - let alone be offended by it!

I’d encourage you to seek some professional advice, too. Take care. x
 
Important update: I was called to my manager’s office this morning and he told me that according to the organization’s human resources, I am permitted to wear the Miraculous Medal. What an immense victory for Our Heavenly Father! May Our Blessed Mother crush the head of the evil one and lead unbelievers to her son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Deo Gratias!
 
allen2690 said:
Important update: I was called to my manager’s office this morning and he told me that according to the organization’s human resources, I am permitted to wear the Miraculous Medal. What an immense victory for Our Heavenly Father! May Our Blessed Mother crush the head of the evil one and lead unbelievers to her son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Deo Gratias!
Click to expand...
👍
 
allen2690 said:
Important update: I was called to my manager’s office this morning and he told me that according to the organization’s human resources, I am permitted to wear the Miraculous Medal. What an immense victory for Our Heavenly Father! May Our Blessed Mother crush the head of the evil one and lead unbelievers to her son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Deo Gratias!
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He sounds like a smart guy. All glory to Jesus! :extrahappy: :extrahappy: :extrahappy:
 
Just a question. Why do you think you have a right to wear a religious medal at work?
 
PaulinVA said:
Just a question. Why do you think you have a right to wear a religious medal at work?
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Why wouldn’t she? Since when does working at any job preclude wearing religious symbols? The freedom to practice religion isn’t relegated to the inside of houses of worship and private homes–not yet. The social elites would like to limit religious freedom, but the US Constitution guarantees it, with no mention of where, when, or in front of whom one may not practice one’s faith.
 
PaulinVA said:
Just a question. Why do you think you have a right to wear a religious medal at work?
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@PaulinVA
I know you’ve directed your question to the OP but I would like to offer a counter-question: why not? This is akin to telling a male Sikh he must remove his turban or a Muslim woman her hijab. Religious medals, crucifixes, etc are an outward sign of our (Catholic) faith.
 
808Catholic said:
@PaulinVA
I know you’ve directed your question to the OP but I would like to offer a counter-question: why not? This is akin to telling a male Sikh he must remove his turban or a Muslim woman her hijab. Religious medals, crucifixes, etc are an outward sign of our (Catholic) faith.
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No, it is not. Some feel that they are mandated by their religion to wear certain things - the Sikh ceremonial knife or the hijab are examples. There is nothing in any Catholic teaching that says one must wear a medal.

I’ll ask again - why, in the workplace, do you think you have the right to wear a religious medal?
 
PaulinVA said:
No, it is not. Some feel that they are mandated by their religion to wear certain things - the Sikh ceremonial knife or the hijab are examples. There is nothing in any Catholic teaching that says one must wear a medal.

I’ll ask again - why, in the workplace, do you think you have the right to wear a religious medal?
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Quote for us any Catholic teaching that says she doesn’t have that right?

Here’s my quote: scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1674.htm.

As a fellow Catholic why are you asking such a question? Do you want to see our religious liberties curtailed or eliminated merely because you say we don’t have to do something. Rights aren’t about having to do anything but about the freedom to do what we believe is proper for us to do.

As to rights. Of course she has the right–as a citizen of the USA, and as a Catholic, to wear any religious symbol anywhere she pleases. That’s where she gets the right.
 
PaulinVA said:
No, it is not. Some feel that they are mandated by their religion to wear certain things - the Sikh ceremonial knife or the hijab are examples. There is nothing in any Catholic teaching that says one must wear a medal.

I’ll ask again - why, in the workplace, do you think you have the right to wear a religious medal?
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I respectfully disagree with your opinion. We are called to witness to Christ. How do you believe choosing to NOT wear a symbol of your faith as witnessing?
 
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