Sent an email with God Bless as a sign off

[ImJustMadAboutSaffron]

I wasn't sure where to put this.

I've just received a work related email from an outside organisation with some very useful contacts and project opportunities.

The author signed off as stated in the subject line. I don't care one way or another and shall follow up as usual.

I've never seen a work email signed off in this way. Would you think it not really the right thing to do? I can imagine someone somewhere would complain if they were petty enough.

So it's not me being unreasonable but do you think the sender is? It doesn't bother me, would it you?

It's really odd and would make me doubt their professionalism, it would depend on your working relationship with them and the organisation but I would probably be a bit more vigilant in my interactions with them.

I wouldn't like this, but I wouldn't be bothered enough to do anything about it.

Depends on their job role I would say. Our work chaplain always signs off with 'God bless' which feels entirely appropriate.

Made me laugh as was probably an error. Like accidentally putting C at the end

X
!!

I really couldn't get worked up about this

I work with someone who has this on their out of office. He’s lovely and very smart and hard working. Doesn’t bother me.

I wouldn't give a flying shit to be honest

What kind of org is it? Christian?

I always quite like when people tell me “god bless”. I’m not religious at all but I always take it in the good spirit it’s intended and it makes me smile.

I wouldn’t expect it in a professional email unless it’s a religious profession/organisation but it wouldn’t bother me.

I would think it sweet, but also naive and unprofessional.

I’d spend a moment thinking that it was unusual to sign off like that, another moment thinking that it is clearly a well intended sentiment, and then I’d move on with my day.

Depends what their role / organisation is I think as to whether it's entirely appropriate or wildly inappropriate. If I emailed a vicar I'd not bat an eyelid. If it was my doctor I'd not like it much.

Is it something where a religious belief may affect the service they provide? Ethically?

I'd also be concerned, even if it isn't something as a overt as say a family planning clinic and catholicism having a conflict of interest, that there may be an issue with their view of and interaction with people of other faiths / none.

It's just something that is personal to them - a bit unusual maybe but doubtless it comes from a kind place. It's not being nasty, is it? I have someone who calls me "old fruit"! Not the same, but again is just showing their personality.

A bit unprofessional, unless as a PP said you're a work chaplain or similar. I'd give a pass for someone working in a faith-based org, but it feels a bit off in a professional context. Assuming this is an initial contact?

It wouldn't bother me, I'm with others in that I'd find it a bit odd, in a professional capacity, but I'd find it quite endearing (I'm not religious).

I’ve worked in many places for many years, never seen this used.
most odd.

A previous colleague of mine used to sign off with "love and light, Name xxx". She was lovely but away with the fairies

I've seen professional emails signed off like this, but always from a vicar. Seems appropriate for them.

'Love & light' 😂

Sooo tempted to spend tomorrow signing my emails this way!

Ronan on Magic radio always says God Bless to people that phone in when he says goodbye

No, it's not exactly professional but in Ireland, God Bless is still used very regularly (verbally mostly tho) in the same way as 'bye' or 'see ya', with no sense of religious overtones.

I would notice this but not think too much more; especially if the rest of the email was what I needed.

Is the outside organisation religious or is person a religious leader - minister etc

It wouldn’t bother me - I’ve never seen it and I worked for her CofE (and my boss was a vicar).