Jesus had to be Glorified, says British Airways Employee
Nadia Eweida, British Airways' employee fighting to openly wear a Christian cross necklace at work, said that "Jesus had to be glorified" through her life.
by Gretta Curtis
Posted: Wednesday, October 25, 2006, 10:08 (BST)
Nadia Eweida, British Airways' employee fighting to openly wear a Christian cross necklace at work, said that "Jesus had to be glorified" through her life.
Eweida, 55, a check-in worker at Heathrow airport, has been on unpaid leave after refusing to remove or cover up her cross.
She said today: "I cannot hide it. Jesus has to be glorified in my life. I am not politically motivated or minded. I just follow the biblical truth."
Ms Eweida, from west London, was speaking to Sky News from New York having been taken over to the USA by a television news company.
She said she was still waiting to hear the result of her appeal to BA to be allowed to openly wear the cross.
Ms Eweida added: "I have been overwhelmed by the support I have had in America and from my MP and barrister.
"I am just a normal employee trying to earn a living and look after my mother at the same time."
The suspended worker was reported as saying: "British Airways permits Muslims to wear a headscarf, Sikhs to wear a turban and other faiths religious apparel. Only Christians are forbidden to express their faith."
British Airways has commented that its company policy states that employees must wear jewellery under their uniforms, and it explicitly states that this includes religious symbols.
Liberal Democrat lawmaker Vincent Cable, who represents Twickenham in west London, said it was "absolutely mind-boggling that Britain's flag-carrying airline could treat its employees in such a disgraceful and petty manner."
"Nadia is a devout Christian who was displaying her faith, but in a modest and totally un-provocative manner," he said.
"It is absolutely right that other religious minorities be allowed exemption from the dress code, but why can't a Christian be treated in the same way?"
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The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.
Added: Monday, November 20, 2006, 16:00 (GMT)
I find it ironic about the displaying of religious items from BA, correct me if im wrong, but the BA logo is made up of religious symbols, i.e the union jack flag, which, is made up from the flag of St Andrew, St George and St Patrick.
If I was this person solicitor, I would be arguing that BA should rebrand, because their own brand displays reglious symbols.
Simon, UK
Added: Monday, October 30, 2006, 20:28 (GMT)
When this employee joined British Airways she would have signed a contract, one of the conditions of which is to abide by to the uniform standards as laid down in the company handbook.
British Airways is an incredibly important worldwide brand, and I would like Ms Eweida to explain why she feels she has the right to flout these regulations by wearing her cross. Reasonable allowances have been made for other religions whose requirements are stricter than those who worship Jesus. To my knowledge it doesn't say anywhere in the bible, you must visibly wear a cross.
My message to Ms Eweida is simple. If you can no longer adhere to the terms and conditions of your contract then leave.
Jumping on the latest press bandwagon is paramount to bringing BA into disrepute and perhaps this is something else that Ms Eweida should consider before electing to return to work or handing in her notice.
MS, Palma, Mallorca
Added: Saturday, October 28, 2006, 19:42 (BST)
Hats off to Nadia Eweida. I speak for all Christians, who like Nadia, have the right to openly glorify Jesus. This is presecution on the part of British Airways. That company policy is out-dated to say the least. She has a point in stating that other religions/religious have the right to wear their turbans and flaunt their habits and dress garments, so why is it so wrong for a Christian to wear her cross? Who exactly is she offending? British Airways? or the public, they serve? As for me, a former customer of British Airways, you either allow Christians to express their religious preference in the manner they see fit ( just as you do so for other religions) or don't count on my business again.
The public and customers you serve, many who are Christians, surely stand behind Nadia Eweida. I am proud of her, as is Jesus.
Gloria Calderon, Houston, Texas USA
Added: Wednesday, October 25, 2006, 18:12 (BST)
With reference to BA's comments and I quote from the article:
'British Airways has commented that its company policy states that employees must wear jewellery under their uniforms, and it explicitly states that this includes religious symbols.
Could Ms Eweida wear the cross in another way perhaps as a tie pin/lapel badge/cuff links for example and get around the issue by arguing a tie pin is not 'jewellery'
I wonder what sort of reaction she would get if she choose to wear cross shaped earrings - which obviously cannot be worn under the uniform, unless of course you're a Muslim worker and choose to wear a religious headscarf!
Lana, UK
Added: Wednesday, October 25, 2006, 12:32 (BST)
Ms Eweida knew, when she accepted employment as British Airways uniformed staff, that regulations were to be adhered to. Muslim women are allowed to wear a headscarf, as they are required to do so by islamic rule. The same is valid for turbanwearing sikhs. Nowhere in christianity is there a commandment to wear a cross openly. If it is of vital importance for Ms Ewida to wear a cross openly, why does she not take up employment within BA where she does not have to wear a uniform and is thus free to display whatever religious symbol she wishes? Getting a bit tired of people making pointless points about their religion. NO ONE is alllowed to wear neckllaces unless they are conceiled with a BA uniform. Why does Ms Eweida think she is so speciall that an exception shoud be made for her? Think again Ms E!
Daniel Goldberger, London
