Christian charity denies religious discrimination

A tribunal is looking at the employment policies of Prospects, a Christian charity which supports those with learning disabilities, following claims of religious discrimination by two former employees. Prospects has denied discrimination.

At the start of the hearing the tribunal heard that Prospects altered its recruitment policy to hire practising Christians only. In addition to this, current non-Christian staff were informed that they would not be eligible for promotion, reports the BBC.

The two ex-employees at the heart of the case are Mark Sheridan, an ex manager in Conwy for the charity. He is claiming discrimination and that constructive dismissal took place.

Louise Hender, who also worked in Conwy, has also complained of being denied promotion on the grounds of having non-religious beliefs.

The British Humanist Association (BHA) is supporting Sheridan whilst Unison is backing Hender's case.

According to the BHA, Sheridan quit Prospects after it changed its recruitment policy to hire and promote only practising Christians.

According to the BBC, Hanne Stitson, chief executive of BHA, said, "We are pleased to be involved in what is potentially a landmark case in the area of discrimination on grounds of religion or belief.

"Exemptions in the equality legislation are there to allow for discrimination for very specific positions.

"Clearly a cardinal needs to be a Catholic. But we do not believe that the law was intended to allow religious or indeed humanist organisations to discriminate wholesale in their employment policies and practices.

"We believe that this kind of blanket discrimination is both unacceptable and, as the tribunal will hear, puts the quality of services at real risk."

The regional officer for Unison, Geoff Edkins said, "We are supporting this case to make sure that people of all faiths or none get fair treatment. This case is about equality and fairness," reports the BBC.

Christian Today did contact Prospects, but the charity declined to comment while the cases are still ongoing.