To have objected to ‘prayers’ at work

Weird comment. I don't get annoyed about public displays of religion, but I do get annoyed with people who have such carefree lives that they take issue with trivial things. I don't see where the inconsistency is.

For what it’s worth, my mother-in-law says she is a Christian. I can remember going round her house years ago for Sunday dinner with my husband, and other in-laws and she led a prayer at the dinner table before we ate. It happened on at least one occasion, if not more. I am not religious and had to sit through it. She is most definitely left-wing in her beliefs. I know because she’s preached about enough times. She’s also a total hypocrite because she lies, has been unkind to me on numerous occasions and also cheated on my father-in-law. This thread is just intended to have a go at people who don’t vote for left-wing political parties.

Teaching job 1. I taught in a Church secondary school. Prayer at end of day with children was ok. Everyone expected it but teaching a practical subject with a deal of packing away meant they were some time forgotten.

But as staff we also had our week of starting the daily staff briefing. First 2 heads - fine. 3rd head less so. Upset a lot of people with her antics and bullying behaviour despite a pious exterior.

So we had Prayer Wars. Prayers with pointed messages. Didn’t change much but it made one, and others in the know, feel a bit better.

I used to work for a Church of England organisation and be married to a vicar.
I'm now rather an atheist. Let her have her prayers, sit quietly and remember red wine in a mug is usually the answer. Helps the illusion if you blow on it.

You should explain that this is awkward and discriminatory towards non Christian staff.
This

That should apply to all religions.

I love the King James Bible. Ever quoteworthy.

Jesus wept.

But are you followed by billions of people today throughout the world 😅
It's a choice & not something to impose on people before meetings, especially if they are athiest or uncomfortable in the situation.

Unless you work for a religious organisation then prayers aren’t appropriate in a meeting.

Who are you to judge why someone might find someone else performing religion distressing?

Well, you found the time to post a jibe about it...

Matthew 6 5 - 6

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

How very un-Christian of you 🙄

This.

How excruciatingly embarrassing!

By the way, I’m a Christian and would never dream of suggesting prayers at work, it’s completely inappropriate. Oh and I’m a socialist too. Like Jesus!

Not seriously enough to follow it though.

Tell her Jesus was a socialist (which he was) and that right wing politics aren’t compatible with Christianity.

@Whenwillglorioussummercome Praying in a work meeting is creating a situation that could cause distress or discrimination.

I wish my life so easy and care-free that the thing that causes me most distress is someone else praying.

Praying in a work meeting is creating a situation that could cause distress or discrimination. An employer should be aware of this and the potential consequences - most would not allow it to happen as a result.

Meant to add:

In the house of commons is it the Speaker who leads the opening prayer & what happens if the speaker is a non believer? I have a feeling that wouldn't be the case though if past Speakers are anything to go by. All very interesting.

@whenwillglorioussummercome
I missed the posts about this,thanks for making it clearer

It’s been raised several times through this thread.

It’s voluntary, happens at the start of every sitting of both House, but if you don’t sit through prayers you stand less chance of a good seat, or indeed any seat, so there is a disadvantage to not attending. You can attend and not join in, by staying silent or facing the walls.

@RedHelenB In a separate prayer room? Or actually in the office?

I've seen Muslim coworkers pray in the office a few times.

No one gives a shit, because I'm a normal person who has actual problems to worry about. I would understand that if people have lots of free time, then they might pretend to be annoyed about it.

In a separate prayer room? Or actually in the office?

@MissionBiscuits I see the point you're trying to make, but for starters Democrats aren't known for trying to force their religious beliefs on others,

Well I'm sure Mike Pence would say a prayer in this context, but he's anti-Trump and voted for Harris. That's just one example out of the 75 million people who voted Democrat at the last US election. For you to say that every single Democrat voter is the type of person who doesn't preach or pray in public is you just making things up.

I very much hope that's the reasoning the OP gives if it comes up for discussion in the meeting