Religion in the workplace

That’s really not how this works I’m afraid. You’re not a mind reader and your arguments just illustrate your lack of humanity and tolerance.

This 100%!

I’m happy to get to know all colleagues I work with, and I’m always respectful to everyone.

I do not, however, want to know anything about their religion. I am not a religious person. I actually believe that religion causes nothing but hate and conflict across the world (just look at this thread!)

I would be hugely irritated if my workplace forced this type of thing on me. I would not like to be told to take an interest in something I simply don’t believe in.

So do I. But being asked to understand others' religious beliefs isn't that.

Egypt.

Well no, exactly, you know I am correct and your argument was silly.

When I saw the way this thread was going I thought exactly the same. I had hoped people would be more sensible and sophisticated in 2026.

As I have said before, I have no dog/cat/budgie in this race…

People being intolerant of Islam and following Christianity need to recognise the murky depths of their own religion surely? The Crusades?!

But it was so long ago… I wasn’t alive then… I’m allowed to be a bigot NOW.

Exactly the same mentality that led to religious wars… guess what, neither side is innocent!

I’m not interested in having an actual religious debate, I’m more interested in the rampant Islamophobia and racism apparent in this thread.

Because we are a country and culture that has been built on Christianty. Like it or not this is the software package that has shaped your beliefs and values of kindness, tolerance and hospitality to outsiders. Can you name any Islamic countries that extend that welcome to Christians within it?

See why don’t you just begin by saying you’re Islamophobic rather than pretending to care about workers’ rights. It’s so disingenuous - just be honest.

Lol do you think they actually think that? Do you think there is more to critique in Christianity than Islam? Be good to hear it.

Can't remember any leaders of the modern Christian church proclaiming 'death to non-believers' or issuing Fatwas, but maybe I'm wrong.

workplaces have traditionally been supportive of Christianity. That support is such a part of the culture that people who are not outsiders do not always recognize it is happening.

Society implicitly supports Christianity throughout the culture, despite problems
with doctrine and institutions. Why should islam or any other religion be treated differently?

I agree as well. I live in Utah and had it both ways from the Mormons who don’t exactly preach but will go out of their way to exclude you from the conversation because they are talking some bullshit about their religion. Then I’ve been at workplaces where every one knows religion everyone else and we treat everyone with the utmost respect (by not talking about it all). So much more pleasant a work experience when we can just help each other and not religion into it!

The paradox of tolerance.

Though you're not 'allowed' to point this out 'cos Islamophobia 🙄

I find Christianity in practice these days to be quite intolerant of others ... is that what you're on about?

Do you really want one of us to list all the ways various people in Christendom have not been “tolerant of others”? I’ll give you a moment to think about your answer.

You are coming across as quite obtuse, once more posting a comment that needs interpretation. I think you are saying, again, that you don't want to learn anything about different religions at work, and that you are Islamophobic. Please try and add something new next time you post.

@Whatothink that’s a bit of a broad sweeping generalisation. Come on now

Yeah, it’s a bit much. One email to remind employees that it’s Ramadan and that practising Muslims may be observing and to outline what adjustments the company was making for those employees during that time and how it would affect all other employees, would suffice.

I think I’d be annoyed at my workplace telling me to show visible support (not sure what that means) and to encourage talking about religion (presumably without criticism) with a practicing Christian so I do get the OP’s point to some extent.

Come on now you are being deliberately stubborn and ridiculous I’ve already told you I hate Christmas and that I don’t actually believe in any religion. I don’t think any extra emails should start going around about religious festivals and practices at work . And not specifically Islam I mean any religion at all. If emails started going around about “advent” for example that would annoy me just as much .

Yes, people of various religions will do a strict fast at some points. Obviously levels of observance will vary in Islam and in other religions. But my workplace is not promoting understanding and accommodations during Maha Shivaratri or Yom Kippur or Lent. It's really odd, for some reason being pro-Islam is considered progressive, so public sector organisations really support it, alongside things like trans visibility and Black History Month. I don't know why other religions don't get the same look in but they just don't have the progressive aura.

Oh sorry I forgot where I was....!