The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has responded to the announcement at the end of last week that a British Airways employee had lost her appeal against the company's decision to stop her from wearing a cross necklace.
Earlier last week, Nadia Eweida, 55, lost her appeal against British Airways which stated that she could not wear the cross if she kept it visible while working at the BA check-in counter.
Dr Williams responded to the news by reaffirming his previous statement earlier in the month that it was "absolutely basic that people of any faith should have the right to display the signs of their faith commitment in public".
He continued: "What I find deeply confusing about the present situation is the response of BA, which doesn't seem to make it clear whether they're simply talking about regulations, concerning a piece of jewellery, or whether they are in some sense claiming that the cross is a source of offence.
"Now if BA is really saying or implying that the wearing of a cross in public is a source of offence, then I regard that as deeply offensive and, in a society where religious liberty and the expression of religious commitment is free, I regard it as something really quite serious.
-
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
-
7 symbolic details we often miss about Jesus’ birth
-
The King's Christmas speech: which Gospel?
-
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
-
Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment
-
Two hundred years of the Brethren: who are they and what do they believe?
Most Popular
News
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'
Reform MP Danny Kruger has spoken of the need for Britain to once more assert itself as a country with a long and rich Christian Heritage.
400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions
Sex selective abortions appear to be taking place within the Indian community, data suggests.
Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity
Community pantries across the UK have recorded their one millionth visit, as new research suggests the membership-based food model is helping thousands of households reduce food insecurity, cut costs and prevent them from falling into extreme hardship.
Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India
India has witnessed a blend of joyful Christmas celebrations in many parts of the country, alongside reports of hate, hostility, and attacks on Christians this season, particularly in northern and central regions.