Christian school receptionist settles discrimination case out of court

A Christian school receptionist suing her employers for religious discrimination has reached an out of court settlement with the school and local authority.

Jennie Cain decided to sue the local authority in Crediton, Devon, after being threatened with disciplinary action last February.

The threat concerned a request she had made to friends in a private email asking Christian friends for prayer when her five-year-old daughter was scolded by a teacher for talking about Jesus.

The out of court settlement was reached today and Mrs Cain will receive an undisclosed sum.

The Christian Institute, which backed her case, said it was pleased with the outcome and that all parties had “agreed to disagree” as to whether Mrs Cain had been discriminated against on the grounds of her religion by staff at Landscore Primary School or the Local Authority.

The different sides also acknowledged that all faiths, including Christianity, “must be treated equally and with sensitivity” and that individuals must have the freedom to hold, talk and write about their beliefs.

The Chair of the Governing Body, David Smith said: “Mrs Cain has undertaken her
role as the receptionist at the school very well. We are drawing a line under this
matter.

“As a result the school and the Head Teacher will be able to concentrate all
their attention on providing the best possible learning environment for the children in
our community.”

Mrs Cain said: “I am pleased that this matter has been resolved. We all agree that
Christians should be treated with the same sensitivity and respect that is shown to
people of all faiths and none.

“My family and I look forward to getting on with our lives and putting this matter behind us.”