harrassment? don't be silly......

If it wasn't for God, we wouldn't be here and with all the junk that is going on in the world, we need prayer. It is time for Christians to stand up for their beliefs, instead of worrying about offending others. Being a Chriistian isn't a religion, religion is man made, but having a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is important.

I agree with Min, this does not appear to be a solicitation (the person is not giving a Bible lesson in the e-mail) but rather an invitation for those who may be interested. If you are not interested, delete it and move on.

I think the difference is employees wouldn't be having drinks on company premises - this is off-site, after work. The person in the question wants to do this on company premises and religion is a lot more touchy subject than socializing after work. It could also me misinterpreted that the company is supporting this particular thing if they allow on site (e.g., most companies have a restriction on the volunteer organizations they support, stay away from political, religous, ect)

This is not against the law, nor do I see anything wrong with it. You said it was before work hours inthe morning, and it was simply an invitation. An invitation to join them does not mean you have to go. If the company owners/managers are okay with it then she has done nothing wrong.

Personally it should be a conflict of interest for the company to allow those kind of emails, appropriate emailing should be company policy, and here that would be considered inappropriate.

The following is just one example of the government stating that if other types of invitations are allowed, this type is also allowed. Therefore, it is NOT illegal nor harassment.

GUIDELINES ON RELIGIOUS EXERCISE AND RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION IN THE FEDERAL WORKPLACE

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release....August 14, 1997

The following Guidelines, addressing religious exercise and religious expression, shall apply to all civilian executive branch agencies, officials, and employees in the Federal workplace.

Section 1. Guidelines for Religious Exercise and Religious Expression in the Federal Workplace.
A.Religious Expression.
(B)Religious Discrimination. Federal agencies may not discriminate against employees on the basis of their religion, religious beliefs, or views concerning religion.
(2)Coercion of Employee's Participation or Nonparticipation in Religious Activities.
Examples
(b)On a bulletin board on which personal notices unrelated to work regularly are permitted, a supervisor may post a flyer announcing an Easter musical service at her church with a handwritten notice inviting co-workers to attend. but A supervisor should not circulate a memo announcing that he will be leading a lunch-hour Talmud class that employees should attend in order to participate in a discussion of career advancement that will convene at the confusion of the class.

There are probably a lot of technicalities that exist with something like this. We are a large global firm and have been instructed by HR that we can't conduct anything religious on the premises for legal reasons. From my understanding, it would fall under discrimination laws. Aside from this, even if it really is not a legal issue, it is definitely an HR issue. People can take offense to it, even if they partake in that religion.

In this firm, we can't have a religious figure distributing ashes on Ash Wednesday, even if they are also an employee. We have a lot of Deacons who work here. No group prayers can be conducted. No Christmas or Kwanza or Hanukah decorations unless it is in your cubicle and put up by the employee of that particular cubicle. There have already been issues with someone hanging a flag in the office. We can't send any emails like this, either, but could post this on the café bulletin board or in the company newsletter under upcoming group/volunteer events. HR would definitely be called down in a lot of cases.

How sad.

I don't think it should have been sent out on company email, however, since it is before work hours, there is nothing wrong with it.

I understand that religion and politics are very sensitive subjects in the workplace. However, the last few companies I have worked for promote and embrace other organizations such as Asian American Club, African American Club, Hispanic Club, Gay and Lesbian Club and many other specific group clubs. If these clubs can exist on company time and receive company funding for events why can't Christians, Jews, Seiks, Evangelist, Catholics and any other religion receive equal club rights? Many of the clubs flyers and announcement are ethnic restrictive and not inclusive should someone be offended if they are not included? Where does a company draw the line? And why are these types of groups more important than faith or any less volatile?

Isn't it amazing that our "freedom of religion" right is so offensive. Come on people. Kristie is right, tit for tat. Choose your battles

The Bible is not hurting anyone. If most copmany was not so guilty of dirty dealings and backstabbing they should not be so worried about the Bible. An this is a free country.

It is using company property for personal business and has no place there.

We spend such a great deal of our lives at the workplace it is almost impossible NOT to bring some part of one's belief system to it. For some, the belief system permeates every part of life and dictates integral behavior. Asking this person to separate their "religious life" from their "work life" is not that simple.
On another note, the person who is interested in receiving emails about, and participating in Bible studies with co-workers is probably the one who does NOT get offended at "Happy Hour" invites and graciously turns down the invitations or politely requests removal from email invite lists. is it possible for ALL to be so gracious?

My company is a Christian company. We do not shove it down anybodies throats, but we let everyone know that this company is a Christian company and we believe we are successful because of the presence of the Lord. We also offer a Chaplain Care Team - a personal support program for all employees and their families - which has helped employee moral quiet a bit.
When management first decided to let everyone know our beliefs I was honestly very worried about it, but the support throughout this company is amazing. I don't see a single problem with asking about bible study, all she did was offer - it is up to the fellow employee to go or not.

In our organization if there is someone that wants to hold a meeting, etc., we have a form that people fill out to ask for use of the facilities. I don't know about other organizations, but once that form is filled out and everything is approved, they can go ahead and use the facilities for whatever meeting it is. I know we receive a lot of e-mails that pertain to jokes, etc. and don't think anything of it. Why should this be any different. If you don't like it, don't respond, just delete it, but don't try to dictate to everyone else. Live and let live.

Does it matter if the "company" is a state or federal organization? Does that make any difference?

The whole issue is a form of intolerance. When someone doesn't like or approve of something they try to get a rule that nobody else can like or approve it either And that is the base of most man-made problems. Let's help prevent and/or solve problems, not make new ones.

What safety issue? They get angry and pound each other with their bibles?

Just joking.

I like to keep business and personal separate, unless religion is part of the business. OR, it is a company like Becki's that is know as a Christian business from the beginning. Otherwise, if you open it up to one religion, you have to open up to others. Bible study sounds harmless enough, but wicca and voodoo can also be considered a religion. And there are others that may be even more off the road that most walk. Lots to think about. Easy way out -- separate business from personal. Meet off-site, do not use company computers to solicit. Maybe an employee board in the lunchroom to post outside activities?

resubmit
This is so amazing to me. People can come in and play all types of music in the workplace; have conversations about any and everything, but as soon as someone brings up a "Faith" subject or comment...everyone becomes super sensitive/offended. I guess that is the reason we are in the condition we are in right now!

I work for a large corporate company. We have all kinds of cultural clubs here -- Asian, Hispanic, African American, Gay & Lesbian. We also have sports clubs, chess club and others. I believe by law if a company allows one type of extra-cirricular activity to take place on company premises, it cannot dis-allow others. We had a Bible study here for quite a while --once a week during lunch hour. The leader received permission from HR and our Legal department before starting it; and before she sent out the original email invitation, she asked people personally (face-to-face, but on company premises) if they would be interesed in participating. I believe that's what the lawyer she talked to recommended. People who expressed an interest were invited. The leader later got too busy and was not able to continue it and no one else wanted to or was able to pick up the leadership to continue it, but it was nice to have it when we did. I think, as a result of the Bible study, religious conversations are more open and you have that "network" of Christian friends at work. You don't feel shy or backward to ask someone to pray for you or tell them you'll be praying for them -- or even send out a broadcast to the "network" (the old Bible Study team) and ask for prayer. As to the comment about using email for anyting religious, I agree with Kristie -- once you open that door, HR would have to be ready to crack down on any type of personal email, otherwise, it would be discrimination (same with club activities on company premises). I also agree with bush's comments -- any type of conversation seems OK and people have no problem telling dirty jokes or using the name of Jesus as a swear word on company premises. We, as Christians, need to be salt and light in the workplace and lift up the name of Jesus. Where is our testimony?

Kristy, I like what you aid and completely agree with you! Lyn

Why should religious study or prayer be such a threat if you choose not to believe or attend?
Oh, how far we have fallen for this great country having been started because of religious persecution and for freedom of religion. They came to escape this.
Did you know that this was never to be a constituional issue of church and state, but that each state was to decide for itself? It was actually 2 ministers that wrote personal letters to President Jefferson (if memory serves me) who could see that this could be a concern. Look at the original constitution. I don't think you'll find it there. His reply was that it should be decided by each state.
How far we have come.

Joyce, Well stated!

The notice is sent out to inform people that there is a bible study. It is not mandated.

We will always find people who want to complain, criticize, bash, or destroy that which they disagree with or is unknowledgeable about. But, if there is something of interest to them, they wouldn't say a word and would probably support it. (Such babies!) Certainly, if you are not interested in attending the Bible study, don't go and delete the invitation. If there was an invitation to read the well-named TV movie & books about good and evil spirits (as imposed upon some children in some schools) and discuss their mysteries, no one would probably complain, feel harassed, or think twice about offenses. I think Christianity has gotten a bad rap from society because of those who claim to be Christian and do not live up to its principles. Nonetheless, just think of the good that a Bible study or other POSITIVE study group could have on morale, reduction of stress, less workplace conflicts, etc., and the lift of integrity, camaraderie, and commitment to work ethics - if practiced faithfully. I believe we have too many of our God-given rights either taken away or suppressed as it is. We need more tolerance. Tolerance is one of the most challenging attributes of human nature. Yes, we need more of it.

Would you have asked this same question if the person had sent an email selling Girl Scout Cookies, Boy Scout popcorn, subs for the soccer team, etc.; or suggested that folks meet before work to excercise?