Protecting rights

After reading two articles in the April 7 issue of The Alabama Baptist, I’m very concerned. 

The article “Dell reinstates 31 Muslim employees” describes an out-of-court settlement concerning religious accommodations at the workplace for the 31 Muslims to be able to pray at work. The article “Workplace Religious Freedom Act reintroduced” says this bill “would place a greater legal burden on employers to prove they have good reasons when infringing on an employee’s expression of religious faith — such as refusing to work on the Sabbath or wearing religious garb or jewelry in the workplace.” This bill (WRFA) has failed to pass Congress every year since 1996.

At first, I thought these two articles presented opposing viewpoints. After thinking it through, I see that they don’t. They both show a trend that is up to us, as Christians, to change.

How many times have you silently prayed at your place of work? How many times have you silently prayed for guidance through your day, for a loved one, for someone who is hurt or sick, or simply and silently for patience? The key word here is silently. 

What would have happened if you had prayed out loud? What happens if you even discuss faith or religion on breaks? Would you be chastised or ostracized in some manner? Many companies would relieve you of your duties and not suffer any consequences or give it a second thought.

Dell Inc. was very quick to settle this suit before it reached the courts and I wonder why. If it had been 31 Christians instead of 31 Muslims, would they have been so quick to settle? The Congress, in failing to pass bills such as WFRA, in fact, helps to take away rights from Christians, not protect the few rights we have left.

Pat Williamson
Crane Hill, Ala.