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.

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?"