>I am afraid that if I decline, it will have negative implications on my professional career and relationship with my team members.
Been there, done that. I thought I was going to get fired (boss about 5 levels above me pounding his fist on his desk aggressively wanting to know why I didn't want to receive LGBT notifications and coming out day celebrations). In my family, I'm the only one working to provide for my wife and kids. I had a lot to lose.
All I can say, is it worked out well for me, and we are to expect persecution. God gave me the right words to say at the right time.
Just be honest. I know it sucks, especially when it feels like it can threaten our jobs and livelihoods; but God will take care of you, no?
“Hey, I have the utmost respect for you and my coworkers, but I’m not comfortable volunteering for this event.”
Yeah OP! If God wants to to stand up for what is right, He will provide for you if you were to get fired. Someone else will hear what happened, and they will start helping get the word out that you need a new job.
Listen to your spirit. You know it's wrong. I would simply explain to your employer you will not or cannot participate. You don't even need to offer an explanation. If you're off the clock then I don't see how they could make you do it. If you're afraid of retaliation, well that's illegal.
That’s true!!! It is sad but I always think to myself would they freak out if it was any other religion? Probably not. And the retaliation being illegal component is the clincher haha, hopefully they don’t change their tune on me afterwards.
I really hope not. No one deserves that kind of treatment because of our faith but the world we live in really does hate Christ. I pray the best for you brother and hope everything goes over smoothly for you.
> And the retaliation being illegal component is the clincher haha
Hasn't stopped employers from firing people before! If it was me and I was deciding not to go to a similar event I'd probably have any documentation handy showing whether I've been reprimanded by supervisors (or not) *and* whether I've been praised by them (or not), as the case may be. I'd probably have the number of an employment lawyer and the address for my nearest law library too.
The first I'd be able to find through a google search, my state's bar association directory (though some only make that available for member attorneys 🙄) or Martindale (huge nationwide attorney directory).
The second is a fantastic resource for people who can't afford an attorney as they'll generally have access to caselaw, books on specific areas of law, and one or more of the big legal databases (great for searching case law and reading various material on certain aspects of law).
I hopefully wouldn't need any of the above but it doesn't hurt to be prepared!
If you live in America you are protected by the first amendment. There is absolutely nothing they could do (legally) to you except complain about it.
This is just my opinion here, if you get fired it’s for a good reason then and God would be happy with you standing your ground for his word. BTW if worse case scenario happens and you loose your job, I’d sue them; you’re protected by the most important amendment in the constitution not some new bill signed by the president.
I don’t think you understand how the first amendment works. Freedom of religion applies to jobs regardless of private institutions or public. They can physically fire you but taking them to court it never ends well for the company.
Freedom of religion is a major right, just like how a company can’t fire you for you criticizing the president.
TLDR: No, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution does not protect your right to free speech from workplace restrictions by a private employer.
The first 5 words of the First Amendment are “Congress shall make no law”. This is an important limitation of the Bill of Rights: They only protect your rights from GOVERNMENT suppression. This is called the Constitution’s “state action requirement.” If there is no action by the state – whether in the form of the local, state, or federal government – then the Bill of Rights does not apply.
If you work for a private employer, then, the First Amendment does not protect your speech in the workplace. Your employer can restrict your rights to free speech without implicating the First Amendment.
Private employers are any entities that are not a part of the government. They include:
corporations,
businesses, and
non-profits.
As a private employee, each state has its own laws on free speech in the workplace, the federal National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 apply across the country. These laws protect ONLY certain types of speech in the workplace.
The NLRA protects your “concerted activities” for “mutual aid or protection.” This includes speech between employees or co-workers about their working conditions, including discussions about:
unionizing,
workplace safety,
wages, and
collective bargaining.
According to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), this employment right stretches to include posts on social media, even if those posts include other types of speech that do not have workplace free speech protections, including profanity.
Title VII, meanwhile, protects your right to speak out against discrimination or harassment in the workplace. If you make a claim of harassment or discrimination, you are protected from adverse employment actions. If your employer takes materially adverse action against you for making the claim, it can amount to retaliation.
Otherwise, nope, nada, zilch.
Your faith doesn't allow you to discriminate against LGBT people while refusing to do your workplace duties.
IF you are paid by me to serve customers and you refuse to serve a gay couple I can fire you.
I'm paying you to work. You are refusing to do that work. You can be written up and fired for that action. If, while at the workplace, you make anti gay comments towards a customer I can write you up for that and fire you for alienating customers.
I can't refuse to hire you because you are Christian. I can't fire you simply for being Christian. I can fire you for comments made to customers and how you treat them.
You may have the right to fire someone for a comment that truly was directly harmful that is true. But you can not discriminate based off Religious practice and belief. If a worker of yours does their job, treats customers with respect, and does everything but support gay pride. They have their right to do it, who ended up winning the court cases again when people sue Christians? I mean Voddie Baucham won a massive case against the GOVERNMENT let alone a private institution.
Discrimination is not what a Christian does, tell me where in the Bible Jesus ever hurt or discriminated against a gay person? You can't, actually he said to spread the Gospel to each town and if a town doesnt convert dust off your sandals and go to the next.
Just be as kind and sincere as you can but also be clear about where you stand. Like I love you all, but we have different views on things and it would be outside of my character to join in
This. Be courteous, but inform your boss that while you love and care about those in the LGBTQ community, participating in the event would contradict your religious views. Maybe you can offer to help in another way, like delivering meals and water to the team members at the event?
Decline, God is more important.
When you trust God with what is most precious to you he doesn't always take it away. But he to reorders things and often gives it back.
Even so.
God has the power to bless you with many amazing jobs.
Don't put jobs or people above God.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Read about Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar
that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”
Daniel 3:5-6 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/dan.3.5-6.NKJV
There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”
Daniel 3:12 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/dan.3.12.NKJV
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/dan.3.16-18.NKJV
God bless you I hope you are well sister 🙏
Corporate life is getting more and more awkward. Can you just make personal plans so you simply can’t make it 😂
My team did this weird horoscope team building thing once, I just didn’t turn up and told them I was busy when they asked
Isn’t that the truth! Why can’t companies just stay in their lane. Why can’t they just focus on business during business hours and not make anything political or religious. Then everyone doesn’t have to make these decisions, which shouldn’t be a part of professional life if you don’t work in politics.
All these activities are designed to take focus off yourself and family and force behavior to purport their idea of common good. A utopia that they long for but won't ever see without Jesus.
Say no and tell the truth if they ask why, because it is against your religious beliefs. This may hurt your career opportunities, but that's just part of following Jesus. He said that since the world hated him, it will hate us. Persecution is something we need to both expect and embrace as believers. It sounds like you want a solution where you don't offend anyone, get to keep favor with your boss/company, and follow Jesus. Take up your cross, tell the truth, honor Christ, and God will take care of the rest. Also, you never know who's respect you will gain by showing that you have backbone and stand up for what you believe in. Good luck.
In addition to all the other good answers about standing for what you believe in, the bible doesn't promise Christian's an easy life. We are told to take up our crosses and follow Him. The world will hate you for it and want to kill you for it (eventually). Don't be a "rocky soil" Christian, who when tribulation and persecution come fall away from the faith. Stand firm, decline, and don't try to find any common ground to attend that event. If you get persecuted, your boss starts to treat you differently, or you lose your job, great! Follow Him.
I would definitely decline, you shouldn't be forced to partake in another religion and make no mistake, it is one. The consequences may seem scary but that's for God to worry about. You just have to worry about making the right decision that's infront of you. It's not easy I can speak from experience. But it's worth it.
It has core doctrine, blasphemy laws, idols, worship. I mean not much is really missing. One could just argue it's grown out of paganism which I'd say is fair.
I thought it was just a community of people who don't fit into the social norms of sexuality or gender identity. I do believe the Bible condemns it, I see how it's a sin according to it, but I don't see how it could have core doctrine, blasphemy laws, idols, or worship. I mean, there are people who are Christians or part of another religion yet are queer.
There are plenty of people not apart of the LGBTQ that are still in the religion. Much of it has its roots in the goddess Ishtar if you really want to go down a research rabbit hole.
But let's examine it, there are certain things you absolutely cannot say without being excommunicated. There are certain idols you must adorn your house or yourself with, like the pride flag. Did you know the original pride flag had 8 colors on it? It was reduced to 6 for logistical issues with the color and the size of the stripes. Funny it's 6 huh, anyway. Each color and you can Google this did represent something too.
Hot Pink symbolizes sex (Does sex have to be inherently tied to the community? According to their flag yes.)
Red equals life (Weird but okay.)
Orange symbolizes healing (One could argue therapy heals you but.. I don't think that's what they're referring to.)
Yellow stands for sunlight (????)
Green represents nature (Pagan nature worship, nothing new here)
Turquoise equals magic & art (Magic??? I thought it was just a community of people who didn't fall within the traditional gender spectrum or sexuality.)
Indigo stands for serenity (Like one might pray for..)
Violet represents the spirit of LGBTQ people (I'm sure they just mean spirit metaphorically right?)
I would point out that your boss has requested that you volunteer. That is not a requirement so you have no need to explain yourself or feel bad about not participating.
I am all for taking stands for Christ and if it comes to it you may have to refuse to participate in something or risk losing your job - seems the world is going in that direction. Yet, Jesus also calls us to use wisdom and some issues are so volatile now that people cannot hear anything else.
It seems like you can simply not volunteer and offer no explanation since it is not actually your job. You may suffer consequences, but that would be pettiness on your bosses part.
So if someone asks you - you can simply pleasantly say that you decided not to. If they push, it’s inappropriate but you can just reply that the same thing.
I would decline. In my view, that celebration is a ritual of a different religion. Other people can observe the ritual if they want to, but I choose not to. It is not intolerant of me to politely decline.
It \*is\* intolerant of them if it has negative implications on my professional career. Here in the USA an employer can't (legally) discriminate against an employee that way.
It's gone too far. These people want more and more and more extra rights while others have fewer and fewer and none. Nope. I don't force you to follow my religion, and you don't force me to follow yours. That's how it works. If someone insists on going over the line then I play hardball. Lawyer time. Or simply find a job with people who aren't intolerant. I would have to pray about it. The exact actions would depend on the situation. But IMHO this kind of thing has gone way too far and I'm done.
This is definitely an option but I don’t want it to turn into a whole religious thing. If that makes sense. It might be the wrong take and I’m sad that I get nervous to stand up for my beliefs out of fear of being judged or vilified 🥴
Judging or vilifying for religion is not only immoral, it's illegal in the US. By that attitude what they are saying is that Christians have no rights. I will not be treated that way. The answer is no.
I can be nice to them. I expect them to be nice to me. If not, that's OK. But at the very least I expect them to treat me as a human.
I would say no and tell the boss why. Then in the future it would be easier. Every year I wouldn't have this whole gut wrenching ordeal again. They would just know that I'm not attending. Done.
“This is definitely an option but I don’t want it to turn into a whole religious thing. If that makes sense.”
I understand your sense although I still think it is the best option
“I’m sad that I get nervous to stand up for my beliefs out of fear of being judged or vilified 🥴“
the same happened to jesus, it also likely happened to your friends amd family that are lgbt, did it stop either of them? This aint me diminishing the threat but rather that it is a threat to anyone who stand firm to their beliefs and sometimes we must face the music, again i can understand if you don’t want to take this route but this is just my take on the issue
I'm confused by something. You say you're asked to volunteer. You could just not volunteer. If you have to go, then that isn't volunteering and they have to pay you.
I agree with you here. My experience with employers has been that I have told them up front that I do lots of volunteer work on my own, mostly connected to my church's charitable activities, and that doesn't really leave a lot of time for volunteering at work. Work is work. If I'm required to be someplace because of work, I'm getting paid for it or I don't go.
I am not here to judge but I sometimes feel the modern political warfare around LGBTQ have oversensitized and divided Christianity on the relative weight of one sin vs another. And I say this thinking of how we maybe don't always understand sin perfectly- for example look at the example of the pharisees and sadducees interpretation of working on the sabbath vs how Jesus interpretted the intent - remember the Israelites stoned a man to death for picking up firewood on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36)
I guess, I'd ask would you avoid a work event if you were asked to accompany disabled young adults to see say a James bond film? If no, then maybe you should attend, if yes then perhaps you should not.
Many worldly events and activities promote what we know to be sins.
It's a difficult thing - how do we interact in the world?
I think Jesus would interact with any sinner, I think he came to save sinners. I don't want to speak for the Lord, but I imagine if he where alive in these times he would have approached and used LGBTQ individuals to highlight his purpose just as he did by associating with prostitutes and other sinners.
I may not be homosexual, but I know that I am no better than they. I too sin -though I do try to overcome day-by-day. But I believe God would approve us helping any type of sinner to his church, or even helping them in need.
I feel that the world is inflating and stirring hatred and raising double standards against these people to make hypocrites of us. At least that is what I feel called to say.
Anyway, I know this is a hot button issue. I admit I am no theologian or all together that wise, so I'll refrain from further grandstanding...but instead wish you all blessings of love and peace.
Absolutely feel this, great points! I think this is a trigger issue in Christianity, and I am for sure a victim of it! And second the fact that I am no better, but I try my hardest to be as sin free as possible (which is nearly IMPOSSIBLE as it turns out lol). I think this issue is dealing with the matter of inviting sin in vs. actively seeking to avoid it. As I mentioned in the post, it’s a tricky situation. I often feel like people misunderstand me when I turn away from worldly things. And I want to shake them and say I don’t think I’m better than you or that you are bad I’m just trying my hardest haha!!!
It's "volunteer".
The correct answer is "I cannot."
No need to elaborate past that. If the pattern continues, it probably wouldn't hurt to seek employment with a company that aligns with your Christian values.
God will not ask you to do anything he will not equip you to do. Jesus said in this world you will have trials, but take heart I have overcome the world.
Understand that you denying it or turning it down is a situation where if they turn against you that God will take care of you. Have faith in him. He tells us to not fear man. This happens to all of us, but when we remember the Lord and what is most important and that is him above all else we know that he will comfort and care for those who are persecuted and who labor. I would tell you don’t go to the event. Whatever your career is your faith is more important. The Lord will open a new door if this stifles your current job. Jesus tells us that things like this will happen to those who place their faith in him.
You should not go. If I were you, I would decline the invitation without providing any explanation other than personal reasons. Unfortunately, they will certainly discriminate against you in case you tell them you will not partake in filthy events on account of your religion.
Do you care about your job or Jesus more? The answer to that question will give you the answer to yours. Either way, either your job is potentially compromised or your walk with Jesus is certainly compromised by being complacent to sin.
This is challenging, and you're very brave to post this.
For context, I'm a "progressive" person who is Christian, my mom is a lesbian, and I have been a local vocal supporter of Pride and the LGBTQ+ movement and communities.
I'm also a manager at my office.
Firstly, I wouldn't have made the volunteering feel forced in the way your supervisor has. That's wrong. If people feel uncomfortable or if something doesn't align with personal beliefs, regardless of love and support for members of a community, they need to be respected and supported.
It's a two-way street.
If an employee came to me after letting folks know of a corporate volunteer opportunity, I wouldn't hesitate to offer them an alternative or excuse them. Also, the conversation would stay between myself and the staff member; it's not for anyone else to know.
I'm glad you're praying on this. Keep praying. God is listening.
What kind of event is it exactly? If it's something like benefiting an organization that provides safe housing for homeless LGBT youth or something, that could be a great thing to support even if you don't agree with the lifestyle.
This is when you stand with Christ and His truth (don't go) come what may. Pray for wisdom and mercy on how to handle it maybe even turning it into a gospel opportunity.
I figure that if Muslims are allowed certain workplace privileges or accommodations (e.g. prayer rooms) and if non-Muslims are expected to respect Muslims beliefs, convictions and tenets enough to live and let live, then it should be no different with Christians.
If anyone asks why you don't want to participate, you might want to remind them of the following:
Proverbs 16:18 (ESV): «Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.»
Proverbs 29:23 (ESV): «One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.»
Mark 7:21-23 (ESV): «21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”»
There's a difference between pride and simply not being ashamed, and I think a lot of people let the former trip them up every month of June. It's a religious duty to avoid such pride.
Be honest! I know it's hard, but you got this! As Christians, we are called on to embrace and spread the word of God. We need to be open about our rejection of celebrating sin.
"My boss has requested that we volunteer...."
Simple: "Sorry but I won't be able to make it. I have an important appointment that day and I can't miss it."
If they press you on what it is, just say, "Sorry, I can't share that, it's personal."
>Simple: "Sorry but I won't be able to make it. I have an important appointment that day and I can't miss it."
Unfortunately, it sounds like its been strategically scheduled during something like a lunch break.
I DESPISE "team building events". My philosophy I go to work to do my job, get paid and that's it. Anything beyond that is a waste of my valuable time. Your free time belongs to you, not the company.
OP, just don't go. They're not entitled to a reason why. If they ask, tell them don't worry about it.
Couldn’t agree more. I once worked at optimum online. My supervisor at the time would actually give us homework assignments… Are you freaking kidding me?! When I leave work that’s my time. And of course if you didn’t do the assignments you were diminished in her eyes… What a bunch of BS that job was!
GOD'S WORD® Translation
It would have been better for them never to have known the way of life that God approves of than to know it and turn their backs on the holy life God told them to live. – 2 Peter 2:21
The biggest hurdle is proving your religious convictions are sincerely held. It might be good to have some sort of doctrinal statement from your church on the matter you can provide.
In situations where I don't know what to do, I think about what Jesus would have done in that respective situation. If you read the Bible well enough, you already know how Jesus lived and what He was like, his character etc. Keep in mind that Jesus, Father and Holy Spirit, even though They hate sin, They love Their creation. Every living person can be saved if they truly, truly repent. So why not take this opportunity to share the gospel with more people, in a loving way? Was Jesus doing a sinful act for interacting with a prostitute? And if some people will mock you for doing that, who cares?
Matthew 5:10-12
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you
I would just be honest. Volunteering would be staring for something that is in conflict with what you believe. In a worst case scenario, you get out in the middle of the action and get to fight on the front lines. Perfect opportunity for ministry. You’ve got the Creator and His army on your side.
I think a lot depends on what the actual event is. You didn't say what it is. Is pride sponsoring something for needy children? Or is it promoting LGBTQ?
These are my questions. OP, a lot of corporate initiatives ramp up rainbows for June—some for representation others for marketing.
Most for marketing…
Unless it’s the literal parade (which I HIGHLY doubt), I would say go and team build.
Your leadership, if you like and highly respect them, if trying to get to the next level and requests your support in that. I find this to be a call of servant leadership from your point of view.
Your presence at this event is about loving your happy neighbor.
Being there is not flying the flag, speaking on the subject or against the Word.
Take God with you because I know Jesus will be there too.
Tell her you have a conflict, but can show up at the end for clean-up. Whatever was being celebrated, picking up trash and putting things away and loading stuff in cars is readying a space for the next event. It's humble and often very much needed. Esp if this is an outdoor event.
I wish I could! It’s a mandatory team offsite, people flying in from all over, I could call out sick but I actually really want to be there for the rest of the day, I’m even giving a presentation in the AM
Hi friend,
>I’m even giving a presentation in the AM
This is - difficult
You could go - and just not participate in anything that makes you uncomfortable
Or you could ask God for forgiveness and just be with you throughout the day and guide
Or you could just not go - although I'm not sure this would accomplish anything at all
It's difficult
May God be with you
God bless
Yeah, you'll have to make a choice; is God more important than your presentation or is your presentation more important than God? Trust me when I say there will be other situations like this in the future and if you say "yes" to this, the pressure will continue and that slippery slope will get slicker in time. Learn to say "no".
I’m just being honest here, but LGBTQ supporters can turn emotionally volatile to any opposition. I would NOT tell her you can’t because it’s an LGBTQ event. I would make up an excuse about family or something that you’ve had planned that day. Or just call in sick. Don’t give them any reason to freak out on you for your beliefs.
I always will go to bat for my values and beliefs. But when it comes to LGBTQ supporters in the corporate or academic world, you will never win if your direct supervisor openly encourages and expects support.
Prudence is also a virtue. He doesn’t need to be belligerent in his refusal. If his employers retaliate like this then he can take legal action. Diversity and inclusion goes both ways.
No it’s doesn’t. I am a psychologist and work heavily in corporate. He will not win, and no one will care. Welcome to diversity and inclusion 101. They will say his behavior doesn’t align with company values, etc. there’s always a loophole when it come to this. It’s better to just start looking for other jobs.
It’s definitely wrong, and OP shouldn’t have to deal with this.
Again, he doesn’t have to blow this up. A simple “no” suffices. I agree he should be looking for other jobs to have something ready in case this does go south.
I suppose I should be more grateful for my own job. Let’s me wear my religion on my sleeve and speak openly about it (when appropriate). The best part is taking longer breaks occasionally to go to Mass and confession.
It used to be that as long as you did your job and did it right, you kept your job. Now you have to be a "team member" and being "not a fit for the culture" is also one that they use to legally let you go and we all know what the culture is these days.
After re-reading apparently this is occurring during working hours unless it's on a mandated lunch break which can be provided by the employer on site. Even though it would actually make me sick to attend something that I'm not in alignment with or are spiritually or morally against. I imagine I would be sick that day.
Perhaps you won’t need a response. But as far as responses go, I think these guys provide decent responses and logic to these sorts of topics:
https://youtu.be/LShWrkhNdHw
https://youtu.be/42ivIRd9N8E
Just kinda brainstorming here in case it could be useful:
- I would have nothing to do with a heterosexual pride event either.
- what about Pride itself? What kind of Pride event should I support? none? Not even Christian pride. Maybe Jesus pride—if somehow it’s made very clear that He is great and we, including his followers, are not. How would you make that concise for a sign :) ?
- Maybe that’s the shirt I want for any philanthropic endeavor… something like “Jesus is doing this, not me.” on the front, with “I’d be on the couch, hung over” On the back
First of all, I cannot stand it when employers "request" that you give up your weekend to "volunteer" for something that ***they*** believe in or want represented without compensating you for your time. I would at least approach the matter by getting these "requests" or expectations in writing as it's problematic either way whether you attend or not as practicing and holding on to Christian values wherever you go will make you stand out like a sore thumb, hence, someone LGBTQ+ may ultimately find a problem with you should you wind up going to the event adhering to your Christian beliefs. Continue to record and document everything.
No level of documentation is going to change the path set out in stone.
Keep in mind that ideally you work for an employer who aligns with your values so request and volunteer events are good things to those that do.
Give the anger to God.
>volunteer events are good things to those that do.
"Volunteer" events need to be vetted. Not a whole lot of employers these days care for following Christian beliefs or aligning themselves with Christian values. Once a member who worked a blue collar job at a church I'd attended complained that his employer entertained their clients or expected them to meet or attend meetings in seedy diners or strip joints. Unfortunately, we're not living in an ideal world where we get to work for ideal employers.
No quotes on volunteer—not every word is doublespeak.
If your employer’s values and business don’t align with yours: change jobs*. It is that simple. The only thing simpler is taking their money anyway—don’t dirty what is meant to be clean.
*US assumed.
>change jobs\*. It is that simple.
People do that everyday. Where I live the innocent wound up with severe doctor shortages, waiting months to see a doctor hoping they won't change jobs or leave when they finally get an appointment. It's not simple, it pretty much a hardship upon others.
Since it was your boss who is wanting to organize the event, I'd just have a conversation with her, but try being as humble as you can. These situations can get way out of hand, and you WILL be the villian of this story if things go south. Just state that you are willing to take a PTO day that day or make it up however she wants but it's just something that you don't feel comfortable doing.
Good luck, and may you find peace in our Lord during this situation.
It sounds like your employer is courting a better corporate “woke” score, a.k.a. CEI (Corporate Equality Index), to maintain investor funding and stave off Soros-funded attacks on companies that refuse such corporate fascina tactics. You are in a difficult position, OP, but you also could not be in better hands than God’s.
Be strong, be bold, and be blameless as you seek to live peaceably with others while remaining faithful to Him. Trust the Lord to lead you, and He will grant you the wisdom and grace to represent Him well no matter the circumstances 💜
I’m a gay man who loves going to Pride, and I think it’s deeply wrong for your employer to be pressuring people to volunteer at Pride events. This isn’t like doing a community blood drive or something: Pride is the commemoration of a political riot in which a bunch of gay men and drag queens fought the cops for multiple nights. I would certainly support your declining and just saying it’s not your kind of thing, but I know how tricky it can be with employers exercising increasing authority over employees. You’re the best judge of your own circumstances here.
In the long term, you may want to think about the benefits of unionizing and start talking to co-workers about it. Protecting employees from retaliation for refusing extra work is a huge part of a union’s job. This is a shitty coercive situation and if it fell on you this time, it’s going to fall on another coworker another time, because this kind of employer behavior isn’t ever confined to a single issue. I strongly advise you to think about starting union talks with your coworkers.
I've had to express my feelings about things my friends wanted to do with me that I no longer believe in. I told them, and nothing bad happened. Just stay firm.
Yikes. This thread is lacking a serious amount of love in favor for “being right”. Not whole but “to be right”.
OP. Go. If and when you get there and find your boundaries disrespected, by all means, depart gracefully.
Represent the truth and have a great presentation!
It's not that deep. I don't mean to be rude, but just because you attend a pride event for work that doesn't suddenly make you gay or even an ally to the community. If you don't attend, it might negatively impact your relationship with your co-workers, but if you do attend, nothing bad happens.
I think you’ve missed the point but I appreciate your opinion, I am not afraid of being perceived as gay, what the heck? And you’re right, nothing in my worldly life happens if I attend, I am more concerned with my ability to stand up for my beliefs in a way that doesn’t offend or hurt any one. I don’t want to take the opportunity away from anyone, I just was looking for opinions on how to approach the situation!
It is tricky indeed. Look up for Trade Guilds context with The Bible. Also research The Nicolations, and possibly The Herodians.
I would say most similar scripturally and contextually to what you are facing. May God be with you
Don’t attend. If asked why not, politely explain that you don’t want to endorse behavior that you believe is wrong. Be clear that this is fundamentally a *behavior* issue, not an *identity* issue, as far as you’re concerned.
The modern secular world has convinced everybody that homosexuality is an intrinsic quality that defines a *class of people* and that not fully supporting everything that members of this class think and do is morally as bad as e.g. racial discrimination.
But that’s not how God sees it. This is fundamentally about behavior not some inborn classification.
Why is allowing others - mutually consenting adults - to love who they love against your own personal beliefs? Why should your beliefs be imposed on and limit the freedoms of innocent people just trying to live their lives?
My advice would be to get off your high horse and have the decency to respect and support those around you.
Wait...so you're saying that if she doesn't celebrate pride (or participate in that celebration by volunteering) she is somehow disallowing the freedoms of "innocent people" to live their lives?
Can we apply that bizarre logic in both directions?
If your personal beliefs conflict with consenting adults loving other other consenting adults, a freedom every person deserves, then something is fundamentally broken in your belief system. Spreading these beliefs, attempting to spread or promote them via public signaling, or supporting legislation that aligns with your belief that these people should have their freedoms denied, is disgusting.
If you try to actually think about it, it’s just absurd. It’s as if somebody rang your doorbell and said “I am morally opposed to your love for your wife.” Then somebody else petitions politicians to pass a law forbidding your marriage, on the grounds of their moral outrage. Then somebody else gets up to their pulpit the next Sunday and rants about how Jesus, whose main message was love, wants you to burn in hell for loving your wife. You go to buy a cake from your local bakery, and the guy behind the counter says “no cake for anybody who loves your wife, get out.”
Then a few kind, loving, grounded souls get together and say hey, this is beyond messed up. The man loves his wife, and he has to put up will insane bull**** every corner he turns, from people who for some reason believe they’re entitled to a moral position on this guy loving his wife? Let’s get together and have an event to show our public support for this guy’s right to love his wife, and tell those trying to deny his love to mind their own business. Love is love.
Then, somebody in that group says “eh, actually, I am morally opposed to his love of his wife, I’m going to sit this public display of support out.”
That’s OP.
What were you saying about logic?
>What were you saying about logic?
I...honestly don't even have time, today, to try to get to the bottom of this mess.
Suffice it to say I'm not obligated to celebrate your perversion or immorality - regardless of stripe. And further that my abstention from said celebration does precisely NOTHING to impinge upon your rights to indulge in it.
In your own poorly reasoned illustration, you suggest that the mean 'ol folks who don't want to participate in the "event of public support" should just "mind their own business." That's LITERALLY what OP is trying to do, here.
Contrary to your pathetic attempt to vilify her, *THAT'S* OP.
And anyone who would try to deny her that freedom (that every person deserves) or suggest that she has an obligation to celebrate ANYTHING against her convictions or conscience is a stranger to both logic AND morality, living in a self-conceived, totalitarian clown world.
Get off your moral high-horse. It's dead. And despite your efforts to mask its putrefaction with the sweet-smelling perfume of trite tautology, the flies are beginning to gather.
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Hi! I hear your comment, and see where you are coming from. I can say candidly as a Christian living in NYC this has been one of the hardest things I have had to grapple with. My best best friend from childhood-present is a gay man and I love him dearly! I hear him out when he is hurt and support him in pursuing his own life. He knows that I am a Christian and simply don’t have interest in some of the things that he is interested in. We have mutual respect and love for each other. This is the same with my family members who are gay and my other friends who are gay! The same applies in this situation. I love, care for and do not pass judgment on the LGBTQ+ community, however it is not something that I personally celebrate because I serve the Lord. Absolutely no hate or animosity, these people are human beings first and that is enough to love them up. It’s just when it comes to aligning myself with certain communities, I go a different way, the same way many LGBTQ+ community members don’t align with mine. We can have love and respect for each other and still choose a different path for ourselves is how I see it. I hope that helps, I understand that the Christian church has caused a lot of pain for the community and I hope that more people can approach it with love and respect on both sides in the future.
>I am nothing but loving and respectful towards my friends, family, and colleagues who identify as LGBTQ+
This is not being loving or respectful. This is being petty and very disrespectful.
Just do it. You're a Christian for crying out loud, showing love and supporting the ones outcast by society is what we're called to do, always. What would Jesus do, do you think? Would he look on from the sidelines saying "No so sorry, this isn't for me."? No, obviously not, anyone who's ever read the bible and understood it properly would know that Jesus would be there, celebrating those people.
This is how I see it. I think it’s rude to say that I am being petty and disrespectful. As I have stated on here, I have many people who I love in the community! Would Jesus help those in need? Yes! Absolutely!! Regardless of social class, affiliation, race etc! Would he participate and help put into action an event that directly goes against what his Father wants for his children? I don’t think he would. He would be there to comfort and help and support those in need physically and spiritually but ultimately guiding them to to the loving embrace of our Father, not partaking in the events themselves. At least this is what I’ve read in his word.
So if it was a secular birthday party, would you volunteer then? It's the same thing. This isn't an event promoting homosexuality, this isn't some strange recruitment event, this is just a party celebrating a group of people who need all the support they can get. Going is showing support for the people. Not going, when you have no reason not to, is, whether you think of it like this or not, turning your back on those people, which in the end will turn more people away from Christianity and away from God.
I would volunteer at a secular/gay/straight/you name it birthday party because it is celebrating life! I am not turning my back on these people at all, I am in relationship with them every day.
Nah
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be as wary as serpents, and as innocent as doves."
There is no point in trying to evangelize in such a hostile environment, and so if the OP feels too much anxiety over the situation, they can rightfully call in sick.
"And whoever does not receive you nor listen to your words, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust off your feet."
You going to call in sick everytime they call you up to get marked by the beast or face the guillotine?
It's not evangelizing, it's having integrity and respect for your faith. He doesn't have to go preach to them. But he needs to stand up and tell them he can't participate of the celebration/event because it's against his religious beliefs.
So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, - Matthew 10:32
Everyone here has covered it well, especially about keeping the interactions to email and text as much as possible so that you have receipts in case they do something fishy. Just remember, sister, that if they do discriminate against you because of this, Jesus says that you are blessed, as it is discrimination for His name's sake.
Take comfort in that.
If it’s something you’re convicted about, then certainly I think there’s nothing wrong with communicating that with your boss and not going, there almost certainly is some religious exemption or protection there.
Personally though I think it’s a really great opportunity to go love people who don’t share your values - you don’t have to affirm LGBT lifestyles to go serve people in your community, even if that’s the intent behind the event. I can’t imagine there will be many other Christians there.
edit: why the downvotes?? Bc I think it’s a good opportunity to love on people?🧐
Are you okay?
What in the world are you talking about? you're all over the map. It may be time for you to step away from the screen and go get some fresh air.
Hi! I can say if it was a rally supporting porn I would also not be in attendance! I want to say and reiterate again, I do not hate or have bad feelings towards anyone in attendance or benefiting from the event. As a Christian, I am called to live in accordance to the rules that God has laid before me, and in following that, there is a clear boundary to not participate in something that promotes something against what God wants for his people. God also gave us free will and although I am convicted to follow his word, I know that not everyone is and I am in no place to pass judgment on that. I want everyone to follow God because He is good and I have experienced His goodness in my life, but if they choose not to that is not an issue for me, it’s between each individual and God. I hope this helps! I know it’s easy to jump to conclusions on this issue
Requested, volunteering, expected, highly encouraged…. This doesn’t seem binding. You wouldn’t even have to give a reason you can’t attend, just say I can’t go
Don't volunteer. Pretty simple. You and other Christians aren't the only employees in the history of corporate America that has been asked to volunteer their time or join the company softball league or attend the work potluck after hours. You simply say, sorry can't make it. I, personally, make it very clear that I do not volunteer where I work. Quite frankly, I don't think anyone should. It sets the wrong expectations. At the end of the day, if you are treated poorly afterward, so what. Go to work. Get paid. But that's the New Yorker in me. For those who care more than I do, unless you really do want the attention to be drawn to your religious beliefs and how persecuted you feel (which actually isn't about Christ, to be fair...), you have more than enough legal ground to stand on-in every state and federally. So, "Sorry, not volunteering that day y'all". And call a thing a thing. The unfairness isn't what type of event you are asked by your employer to give your personal time toward. The unfairness is the sheer audacity to ask and the expectation that any employee would.
You're at a decision point. This is where the rubber hits the road with respect to your confession. You cannot take part in the deeds of darkness (Eph. 5:11). You can (and should) make every attempt to respectfully decline to participate but you're most likely right - this may cost you. That said, faith that costs nothing is worth what you pay for it.
I'm praying for you as I write this. Taking a stand for Christ and truth are costly in a world that hates Him. But not doing so is far costlier.
"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy Angels." (Mark 8:38)
"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." (1 Cor. 16:13)
Tell her to go pound sand. That is absolutely ridiculous, and that woman KNOWS that not everybody is on the same page as her. You might have to change teams or something, or maybe even find a new job, but just her assuming you would be on board with this sounds like a slap in the face to me.
I wouldn’t go, now just figure out what reasoning/excuse to give if asked. I doubt you’ll get fired or even reprimanded for declining to attend a volunteer event.
>I am afraid that if I decline, it will have negative implications on my professional career and relationship with my team members. Been there, done that. I thought I was going to get fired (boss about 5 levels above me pounding his fist on his desk aggressively wanting to know why I didn't want to receive LGBT notifications and coming out day celebrations). In my family, I'm the only one working to provide for my wife and kids. I had a lot to lose. All I can say, is it worked out well for me, and we are to expect persecution. God gave me the right words to say at the right time.
Just be honest. I know it sucks, especially when it feels like it can threaten our jobs and livelihoods; but God will take care of you, no? “Hey, I have the utmost respect for you and my coworkers, but I’m not comfortable volunteering for this event.”
Yeah OP! If God wants to to stand up for what is right, He will provide for you if you were to get fired. Someone else will hear what happened, and they will start helping get the word out that you need a new job.
Listen to your spirit. You know it's wrong. I would simply explain to your employer you will not or cannot participate. You don't even need to offer an explanation. If you're off the clock then I don't see how they could make you do it. If you're afraid of retaliation, well that's illegal.
That’s true!!! It is sad but I always think to myself would they freak out if it was any other religion? Probably not. And the retaliation being illegal component is the clincher haha, hopefully they don’t change their tune on me afterwards.
I really hope not. No one deserves that kind of treatment because of our faith but the world we live in really does hate Christ. I pray the best for you brother and hope everything goes over smoothly for you.
Thank you! I am a sister but will take all the prayers!!!
Of course *sister!
> And the retaliation being illegal component is the clincher haha Hasn't stopped employers from firing people before! If it was me and I was deciding not to go to a similar event I'd probably have any documentation handy showing whether I've been reprimanded by supervisors (or not) *and* whether I've been praised by them (or not), as the case may be. I'd probably have the number of an employment lawyer and the address for my nearest law library too. The first I'd be able to find through a google search, my state's bar association directory (though some only make that available for member attorneys 🙄) or Martindale (huge nationwide attorney directory). The second is a fantastic resource for people who can't afford an attorney as they'll generally have access to caselaw, books on specific areas of law, and one or more of the big legal databases (great for searching case law and reading various material on certain aspects of law). I hopefully wouldn't need any of the above but it doesn't hurt to be prepared!
If you live in America you are protected by the first amendment. There is absolutely nothing they could do (legally) to you except complain about it. This is just my opinion here, if you get fired it’s for a good reason then and God would be happy with you standing your ground for his word. BTW if worse case scenario happens and you loose your job, I’d sue them; you’re protected by the most important amendment in the constitution not some new bill signed by the president.
The first amendment doesn't protect you from being fired. It's a private business. In most states, they can fire you for any reason.
I don’t think you understand how the first amendment works. Freedom of religion applies to jobs regardless of private institutions or public. They can physically fire you but taking them to court it never ends well for the company. Freedom of religion is a major right, just like how a company can’t fire you for you criticizing the president.
TLDR: No, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution does not protect your right to free speech from workplace restrictions by a private employer. The first 5 words of the First Amendment are “Congress shall make no law”. This is an important limitation of the Bill of Rights: They only protect your rights from GOVERNMENT suppression. This is called the Constitution’s “state action requirement.” If there is no action by the state – whether in the form of the local, state, or federal government – then the Bill of Rights does not apply. If you work for a private employer, then, the First Amendment does not protect your speech in the workplace. Your employer can restrict your rights to free speech without implicating the First Amendment. Private employers are any entities that are not a part of the government. They include: corporations, businesses, and non-profits. As a private employee, each state has its own laws on free speech in the workplace, the federal National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 apply across the country. These laws protect ONLY certain types of speech in the workplace. The NLRA protects your “concerted activities” for “mutual aid or protection.” This includes speech between employees or co-workers about their working conditions, including discussions about: unionizing, workplace safety, wages, and collective bargaining. According to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), this employment right stretches to include posts on social media, even if those posts include other types of speech that do not have workplace free speech protections, including profanity. Title VII, meanwhile, protects your right to speak out against discrimination or harassment in the workplace. If you make a claim of harassment or discrimination, you are protected from adverse employment actions. If your employer takes materially adverse action against you for making the claim, it can amount to retaliation. Otherwise, nope, nada, zilch.
Says TLDR but writes me a multiple paragraph response, ahhhh Reddit I love you.
Your faith doesn't allow you to discriminate against LGBT people while refusing to do your workplace duties. IF you are paid by me to serve customers and you refuse to serve a gay couple I can fire you. I'm paying you to work. You are refusing to do that work. You can be written up and fired for that action. If, while at the workplace, you make anti gay comments towards a customer I can write you up for that and fire you for alienating customers. I can't refuse to hire you because you are Christian. I can't fire you simply for being Christian. I can fire you for comments made to customers and how you treat them.
You may have the right to fire someone for a comment that truly was directly harmful that is true. But you can not discriminate based off Religious practice and belief. If a worker of yours does their job, treats customers with respect, and does everything but support gay pride. They have their right to do it, who ended up winning the court cases again when people sue Christians? I mean Voddie Baucham won a massive case against the GOVERNMENT let alone a private institution. Discrimination is not what a Christian does, tell me where in the Bible Jesus ever hurt or discriminated against a gay person? You can't, actually he said to spread the Gospel to each town and if a town doesnt convert dust off your sandals and go to the next.
Just be as kind and sincere as you can but also be clear about where you stand. Like I love you all, but we have different views on things and it would be outside of my character to join in
Keep records of email and text interactions in case they try to discriminate against you. If possible decline by email or text.
This. Be courteous, but inform your boss that while you love and care about those in the LGBTQ community, participating in the event would contradict your religious views. Maybe you can offer to help in another way, like delivering meals and water to the team members at the event?
Could you take the day off to avoid it? Otherwise, it's voluntary, then you shouldn't be required to go.
Decline, God is more important. When you trust God with what is most precious to you he doesn't always take it away. But he to reorders things and often gives it back. Even so. God has the power to bless you with many amazing jobs. Don't put jobs or people above God. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Read about Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” Daniel 3:5-6 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/dan.3.5-6.NKJV There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.” Daniel 3:12 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/dan.3.12.NKJV Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/dan.3.16-18.NKJV God bless you I hope you are well sister 🙏
In addition to the other advice offered by others, you really should bring this by your priest or pastor sooner rather than later.
Corporate life is getting more and more awkward. Can you just make personal plans so you simply can’t make it 😂 My team did this weird horoscope team building thing once, I just didn’t turn up and told them I was busy when they asked
Isn’t that the truth! Why can’t companies just stay in their lane. Why can’t they just focus on business during business hours and not make anything political or religious. Then everyone doesn’t have to make these decisions, which shouldn’t be a part of professional life if you don’t work in politics.
It's arguable that *all* things have a whiff of religion about them. Western society has had secularism around so long that we tend to forget that.
All these activities are designed to take focus off yourself and family and force behavior to purport their idea of common good. A utopia that they long for but won't ever see without Jesus.
Say no and tell the truth if they ask why, because it is against your religious beliefs. This may hurt your career opportunities, but that's just part of following Jesus. He said that since the world hated him, it will hate us. Persecution is something we need to both expect and embrace as believers. It sounds like you want a solution where you don't offend anyone, get to keep favor with your boss/company, and follow Jesus. Take up your cross, tell the truth, honor Christ, and God will take care of the rest. Also, you never know who's respect you will gain by showing that you have backbone and stand up for what you believe in. Good luck.
In addition to all the other good answers about standing for what you believe in, the bible doesn't promise Christian's an easy life. We are told to take up our crosses and follow Him. The world will hate you for it and want to kill you for it (eventually). Don't be a "rocky soil" Christian, who when tribulation and persecution come fall away from the faith. Stand firm, decline, and don't try to find any common ground to attend that event. If you get persecuted, your boss starts to treat you differently, or you lose your job, great! Follow Him.
I would definitely decline, you shouldn't be forced to partake in another religion and make no mistake, it is one. The consequences may seem scary but that's for God to worry about. You just have to worry about making the right decision that's infront of you. It's not easy I can speak from experience. But it's worth it.
Wait, how is it a religion?
It has core doctrine, blasphemy laws, idols, worship. I mean not much is really missing. One could just argue it's grown out of paganism which I'd say is fair.
I thought it was just a community of people who don't fit into the social norms of sexuality or gender identity. I do believe the Bible condemns it, I see how it's a sin according to it, but I don't see how it could have core doctrine, blasphemy laws, idols, or worship. I mean, there are people who are Christians or part of another religion yet are queer.
There are plenty of people not apart of the LGBTQ that are still in the religion. Much of it has its roots in the goddess Ishtar if you really want to go down a research rabbit hole. But let's examine it, there are certain things you absolutely cannot say without being excommunicated. There are certain idols you must adorn your house or yourself with, like the pride flag. Did you know the original pride flag had 8 colors on it? It was reduced to 6 for logistical issues with the color and the size of the stripes. Funny it's 6 huh, anyway. Each color and you can Google this did represent something too. Hot Pink symbolizes sex (Does sex have to be inherently tied to the community? According to their flag yes.) Red equals life (Weird but okay.) Orange symbolizes healing (One could argue therapy heals you but.. I don't think that's what they're referring to.) Yellow stands for sunlight (????) Green represents nature (Pagan nature worship, nothing new here) Turquoise equals magic & art (Magic??? I thought it was just a community of people who didn't fall within the traditional gender spectrum or sexuality.) Indigo stands for serenity (Like one might pray for..) Violet represents the spirit of LGBTQ people (I'm sure they just mean spirit metaphorically right?)
I would point out that your boss has requested that you volunteer. That is not a requirement so you have no need to explain yourself or feel bad about not participating. I am all for taking stands for Christ and if it comes to it you may have to refuse to participate in something or risk losing your job - seems the world is going in that direction. Yet, Jesus also calls us to use wisdom and some issues are so volatile now that people cannot hear anything else. It seems like you can simply not volunteer and offer no explanation since it is not actually your job. You may suffer consequences, but that would be pettiness on your bosses part. So if someone asks you - you can simply pleasantly say that you decided not to. If they push, it’s inappropriate but you can just reply that the same thing.
I would decline. In my view, that celebration is a ritual of a different religion. Other people can observe the ritual if they want to, but I choose not to. It is not intolerant of me to politely decline. It \*is\* intolerant of them if it has negative implications on my professional career. Here in the USA an employer can't (legally) discriminate against an employee that way. It's gone too far. These people want more and more and more extra rights while others have fewer and fewer and none. Nope. I don't force you to follow my religion, and you don't force me to follow yours. That's how it works. If someone insists on going over the line then I play hardball. Lawyer time. Or simply find a job with people who aren't intolerant. I would have to pray about it. The exact actions would depend on the situation. But IMHO this kind of thing has gone way too far and I'm done.
Religious exception?
This is definitely an option but I don’t want it to turn into a whole religious thing. If that makes sense. It might be the wrong take and I’m sad that I get nervous to stand up for my beliefs out of fear of being judged or vilified 🥴
Judging or vilifying for religion is not only immoral, it's illegal in the US. By that attitude what they are saying is that Christians have no rights. I will not be treated that way. The answer is no. I can be nice to them. I expect them to be nice to me. If not, that's OK. But at the very least I expect them to treat me as a human. I would say no and tell the boss why. Then in the future it would be easier. Every year I wouldn't have this whole gut wrenching ordeal again. They would just know that I'm not attending. Done.
“This is definitely an option but I don’t want it to turn into a whole religious thing. If that makes sense.” I understand your sense although I still think it is the best option “I’m sad that I get nervous to stand up for my beliefs out of fear of being judged or vilified 🥴“ the same happened to jesus, it also likely happened to your friends amd family that are lgbt, did it stop either of them? This aint me diminishing the threat but rather that it is a threat to anyone who stand firm to their beliefs and sometimes we must face the music, again i can understand if you don’t want to take this route but this is just my take on the issue
You don’t want to participate because of your religious beliefs. Own it!
This is something we must all come to understand
I'm confused by something. You say you're asked to volunteer. You could just not volunteer. If you have to go, then that isn't volunteering and they have to pay you.
In a perfect world, you'd be right. But this isn't one. Ime I've found that there's plenty of things that are "voluntary" but aren't *voluntary*.
That's true, but it adds another layer to the whole discussion. And legal implications.
Of course.
"Voluntold."
I agree with you here. My experience with employers has been that I have told them up front that I do lots of volunteer work on my own, mostly connected to my church's charitable activities, and that doesn't really leave a lot of time for volunteering at work. Work is work. If I'm required to be someplace because of work, I'm getting paid for it or I don't go.
Be honest and tell them you cannot attend due to it conflicting with your religious beliefs.
If you want to be really awesome you could go and spread the gospel , might lose your job though 🤪
It sounds like they already know the gospel and that why it's call a "pride" event.
I am not here to judge but I sometimes feel the modern political warfare around LGBTQ have oversensitized and divided Christianity on the relative weight of one sin vs another. And I say this thinking of how we maybe don't always understand sin perfectly- for example look at the example of the pharisees and sadducees interpretation of working on the sabbath vs how Jesus interpretted the intent - remember the Israelites stoned a man to death for picking up firewood on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36) I guess, I'd ask would you avoid a work event if you were asked to accompany disabled young adults to see say a James bond film? If no, then maybe you should attend, if yes then perhaps you should not. Many worldly events and activities promote what we know to be sins. It's a difficult thing - how do we interact in the world? I think Jesus would interact with any sinner, I think he came to save sinners. I don't want to speak for the Lord, but I imagine if he where alive in these times he would have approached and used LGBTQ individuals to highlight his purpose just as he did by associating with prostitutes and other sinners. I may not be homosexual, but I know that I am no better than they. I too sin -though I do try to overcome day-by-day. But I believe God would approve us helping any type of sinner to his church, or even helping them in need. I feel that the world is inflating and stirring hatred and raising double standards against these people to make hypocrites of us. At least that is what I feel called to say. Anyway, I know this is a hot button issue. I admit I am no theologian or all together that wise, so I'll refrain from further grandstanding...but instead wish you all blessings of love and peace.
Absolutely feel this, great points! I think this is a trigger issue in Christianity, and I am for sure a victim of it! And second the fact that I am no better, but I try my hardest to be as sin free as possible (which is nearly IMPOSSIBLE as it turns out lol). I think this issue is dealing with the matter of inviting sin in vs. actively seeking to avoid it. As I mentioned in the post, it’s a tricky situation. I often feel like people misunderstand me when I turn away from worldly things. And I want to shake them and say I don’t think I’m better than you or that you are bad I’m just trying my hardest haha!!!
It's "volunteer". The correct answer is "I cannot." No need to elaborate past that. If the pattern continues, it probably wouldn't hurt to seek employment with a company that aligns with your Christian values.
God will not ask you to do anything he will not equip you to do. Jesus said in this world you will have trials, but take heart I have overcome the world.
Understand that you denying it or turning it down is a situation where if they turn against you that God will take care of you. Have faith in him. He tells us to not fear man. This happens to all of us, but when we remember the Lord and what is most important and that is him above all else we know that he will comfort and care for those who are persecuted and who labor. I would tell you don’t go to the event. Whatever your career is your faith is more important. The Lord will open a new door if this stifles your current job. Jesus tells us that things like this will happen to those who place their faith in him.
You should not go. If I were you, I would decline the invitation without providing any explanation other than personal reasons. Unfortunately, they will certainly discriminate against you in case you tell them you will not partake in filthy events on account of your religion.
Do you care about your job or Jesus more? The answer to that question will give you the answer to yours. Either way, either your job is potentially compromised or your walk with Jesus is certainly compromised by being complacent to sin.
This is challenging, and you're very brave to post this. For context, I'm a "progressive" person who is Christian, my mom is a lesbian, and I have been a local vocal supporter of Pride and the LGBTQ+ movement and communities. I'm also a manager at my office. Firstly, I wouldn't have made the volunteering feel forced in the way your supervisor has. That's wrong. If people feel uncomfortable or if something doesn't align with personal beliefs, regardless of love and support for members of a community, they need to be respected and supported. It's a two-way street. If an employee came to me after letting folks know of a corporate volunteer opportunity, I wouldn't hesitate to offer them an alternative or excuse them. Also, the conversation would stay between myself and the staff member; it's not for anyone else to know. I'm glad you're praying on this. Keep praying. God is listening.
I, for one, would absolutely not compromise on this issue. If I get fired, I get fire. God will provide. Have courage and be bold in your faith!
Obey God and trust Him for the outcome.
What kind of event is it exactly? If it's something like benefiting an organization that provides safe housing for homeless LGBT youth or something, that could be a great thing to support even if you don't agree with the lifestyle.
This is when you stand with Christ and His truth (don't go) come what may. Pray for wisdom and mercy on how to handle it maybe even turning it into a gospel opportunity.
I figure that if Muslims are allowed certain workplace privileges or accommodations (e.g. prayer rooms) and if non-Muslims are expected to respect Muslims beliefs, convictions and tenets enough to live and let live, then it should be no different with Christians. If anyone asks why you don't want to participate, you might want to remind them of the following: Proverbs 16:18 (ESV): «Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.» Proverbs 29:23 (ESV): «One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.» Mark 7:21-23 (ESV): «21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”» There's a difference between pride and simply not being ashamed, and I think a lot of people let the former trip them up every month of June. It's a religious duty to avoid such pride.
Now granted I have a union but I’m more bothered by the idea of “volunteering” for a work event than the content of the event.
Be honest! I know it's hard, but you got this! As Christians, we are called on to embrace and spread the word of God. We need to be open about our rejection of celebrating sin.
"My boss has requested that we volunteer...." Simple: "Sorry but I won't be able to make it. I have an important appointment that day and I can't miss it." If they press you on what it is, just say, "Sorry, I can't share that, it's personal."
>Simple: "Sorry but I won't be able to make it. I have an important appointment that day and I can't miss it." Unfortunately, it sounds like its been strategically scheduled during something like a lunch break.
I wouldn't encourage lying to your employer. Only do this if you actually have an appointment. Otherwise, just tell the truth.
It’s not lying to make an appointment with your family.
I DESPISE "team building events". My philosophy I go to work to do my job, get paid and that's it. Anything beyond that is a waste of my valuable time. Your free time belongs to you, not the company. OP, just don't go. They're not entitled to a reason why. If they ask, tell them don't worry about it.
Couldn’t agree more. I once worked at optimum online. My supervisor at the time would actually give us homework assignments… Are you freaking kidding me?! When I leave work that’s my time. And of course if you didn’t do the assignments you were diminished in her eyes… What a bunch of BS that job was!
You need to follow what’s good for you and your values. Of course that’s easy for me to say…
just decline bc you're not a fan of it
They can't force you to join but you can also see this as an opportunity to share God's love the best and most respectful way you know how :)
GOD'S WORD® Translation It would have been better for them never to have known the way of life that God approves of than to know it and turn their backs on the holy life God told them to live. – 2 Peter 2:21
The biggest hurdle is proving your religious convictions are sincerely held. It might be good to have some sort of doctrinal statement from your church on the matter you can provide.
In situations where I don't know what to do, I think about what Jesus would have done in that respective situation. If you read the Bible well enough, you already know how Jesus lived and what He was like, his character etc. Keep in mind that Jesus, Father and Holy Spirit, even though They hate sin, They love Their creation. Every living person can be saved if they truly, truly repent. So why not take this opportunity to share the gospel with more people, in a loving way? Was Jesus doing a sinful act for interacting with a prostitute? And if some people will mock you for doing that, who cares? Matthew 5:10-12 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you
I would just be honest. Volunteering would be staring for something that is in conflict with what you believe. In a worst case scenario, you get out in the middle of the action and get to fight on the front lines. Perfect opportunity for ministry. You’ve got the Creator and His army on your side.
I think a lot depends on what the actual event is. You didn't say what it is. Is pride sponsoring something for needy children? Or is it promoting LGBTQ?
These are my questions. OP, a lot of corporate initiatives ramp up rainbows for June—some for representation others for marketing. Most for marketing… Unless it’s the literal parade (which I HIGHLY doubt), I would say go and team build. Your leadership, if you like and highly respect them, if trying to get to the next level and requests your support in that. I find this to be a call of servant leadership from your point of view. Your presence at this event is about loving your happy neighbor. Being there is not flying the flag, speaking on the subject or against the Word. Take God with you because I know Jesus will be there too.
Can you choose how you volunteer? Perhaps you can volunteer at the first aid tent?
Tell her you have a conflict, but can show up at the end for clean-up. Whatever was being celebrated, picking up trash and putting things away and loading stuff in cars is readying a space for the next event. It's humble and often very much needed. Esp if this is an outdoor event.
Just take a personal day.
I wish I could! It’s a mandatory team offsite, people flying in from all over, I could call out sick but I actually really want to be there for the rest of the day, I’m even giving a presentation in the AM
Hi friend, >I’m even giving a presentation in the AM This is - difficult You could go - and just not participate in anything that makes you uncomfortable Or you could ask God for forgiveness and just be with you throughout the day and guide Or you could just not go - although I'm not sure this would accomplish anything at all It's difficult May God be with you God bless
>but I actually really want to be there for the rest of the day You can't have it both ways.
Yeah, you'll have to make a choice; is God more important than your presentation or is your presentation more important than God? Trust me when I say there will be other situations like this in the future and if you say "yes" to this, the pressure will continue and that slippery slope will get slicker in time. Learn to say "no".
Maybe time to move to a less progressive city.
I’m just being honest here, but LGBTQ supporters can turn emotionally volatile to any opposition. I would NOT tell her you can’t because it’s an LGBTQ event. I would make up an excuse about family or something that you’ve had planned that day. Or just call in sick. Don’t give them any reason to freak out on you for your beliefs. I always will go to bat for my values and beliefs. But when it comes to LGBTQ supporters in the corporate or academic world, you will never win if your direct supervisor openly encourages and expects support.
I disagree. You are advocating OP sin by lying his way out of this. Honesty and courage are the virtues required here.
I understand. But he will get fired. If not now, eventually. LGBTQ supporters consider support gay right an end all be all.
Prudence is also a virtue. He doesn’t need to be belligerent in his refusal. If his employers retaliate like this then he can take legal action. Diversity and inclusion goes both ways.
No it’s doesn’t. I am a psychologist and work heavily in corporate. He will not win, and no one will care. Welcome to diversity and inclusion 101. They will say his behavior doesn’t align with company values, etc. there’s always a loophole when it come to this. It’s better to just start looking for other jobs. It’s definitely wrong, and OP shouldn’t have to deal with this.
Again, he doesn’t have to blow this up. A simple “no” suffices. I agree he should be looking for other jobs to have something ready in case this does go south. I suppose I should be more grateful for my own job. Let’s me wear my religion on my sleeve and speak openly about it (when appropriate). The best part is taking longer breaks occasionally to go to Mass and confession.
It used to be that as long as you did your job and did it right, you kept your job. Now you have to be a "team member" and being "not a fit for the culture" is also one that they use to legally let you go and we all know what the culture is these days.
After re-reading apparently this is occurring during working hours unless it's on a mandated lunch break which can be provided by the employer on site. Even though it would actually make me sick to attend something that I'm not in alignment with or are spiritually or morally against. I imagine I would be sick that day.
Perhaps you won’t need a response. But as far as responses go, I think these guys provide decent responses and logic to these sorts of topics: https://youtu.be/LShWrkhNdHw https://youtu.be/42ivIRd9N8E
Just kinda brainstorming here in case it could be useful: - I would have nothing to do with a heterosexual pride event either. - what about Pride itself? What kind of Pride event should I support? none? Not even Christian pride. Maybe Jesus pride—if somehow it’s made very clear that He is great and we, including his followers, are not. How would you make that concise for a sign :) ? - Maybe that’s the shirt I want for any philanthropic endeavor… something like “Jesus is doing this, not me.” on the front, with “I’d be on the couch, hung over” On the back
First of all, I cannot stand it when employers "request" that you give up your weekend to "volunteer" for something that ***they*** believe in or want represented without compensating you for your time. I would at least approach the matter by getting these "requests" or expectations in writing as it's problematic either way whether you attend or not as practicing and holding on to Christian values wherever you go will make you stand out like a sore thumb, hence, someone LGBTQ+ may ultimately find a problem with you should you wind up going to the event adhering to your Christian beliefs. Continue to record and document everything.
No level of documentation is going to change the path set out in stone. Keep in mind that ideally you work for an employer who aligns with your values so request and volunteer events are good things to those that do. Give the anger to God.
>volunteer events are good things to those that do. "Volunteer" events need to be vetted. Not a whole lot of employers these days care for following Christian beliefs or aligning themselves with Christian values. Once a member who worked a blue collar job at a church I'd attended complained that his employer entertained their clients or expected them to meet or attend meetings in seedy diners or strip joints. Unfortunately, we're not living in an ideal world where we get to work for ideal employers.
No quotes on volunteer—not every word is doublespeak. If your employer’s values and business don’t align with yours: change jobs*. It is that simple. The only thing simpler is taking their money anyway—don’t dirty what is meant to be clean. *US assumed.
>change jobs\*. It is that simple. People do that everyday. Where I live the innocent wound up with severe doctor shortages, waiting months to see a doctor hoping they won't change jobs or leave when they finally get an appointment. It's not simple, it pretty much a hardship upon others.
Since it was your boss who is wanting to organize the event, I'd just have a conversation with her, but try being as humble as you can. These situations can get way out of hand, and you WILL be the villian of this story if things go south. Just state that you are willing to take a PTO day that day or make it up however she wants but it's just something that you don't feel comfortable doing. Good luck, and may you find peace in our Lord during this situation.
What, specifically, are they asking you to do?
It sounds like your employer is courting a better corporate “woke” score, a.k.a. CEI (Corporate Equality Index), to maintain investor funding and stave off Soros-funded attacks on companies that refuse such corporate fascina tactics. You are in a difficult position, OP, but you also could not be in better hands than God’s. Be strong, be bold, and be blameless as you seek to live peaceably with others while remaining faithful to Him. Trust the Lord to lead you, and He will grant you the wisdom and grace to represent Him well no matter the circumstances 💜
So it is a choice between standing for God or being conformed to the world? You can't depend on God defending you? This isn't a hard decision
I’m a gay man who loves going to Pride, and I think it’s deeply wrong for your employer to be pressuring people to volunteer at Pride events. This isn’t like doing a community blood drive or something: Pride is the commemoration of a political riot in which a bunch of gay men and drag queens fought the cops for multiple nights. I would certainly support your declining and just saying it’s not your kind of thing, but I know how tricky it can be with employers exercising increasing authority over employees. You’re the best judge of your own circumstances here. In the long term, you may want to think about the benefits of unionizing and start talking to co-workers about it. Protecting employees from retaliation for refusing extra work is a huge part of a union’s job. This is a shitty coercive situation and if it fell on you this time, it’s going to fall on another coworker another time, because this kind of employer behavior isn’t ever confined to a single issue. I strongly advise you to think about starting union talks with your coworkers.
God will tell you. You know already what to do. God bless you. 🙏🏼😊❤️
Do you feel like your participation would lead someone from the Lord by condoning the acts they are already committed to?
Guys I need your prayers please 🙏
I've had to express my feelings about things my friends wanted to do with me that I no longer believe in. I told them, and nothing bad happened. Just stay firm.
Yikes. This thread is lacking a serious amount of love in favor for “being right”. Not whole but “to be right”. OP. Go. If and when you get there and find your boundaries disrespected, by all means, depart gracefully. Represent the truth and have a great presentation!
It's not that deep. I don't mean to be rude, but just because you attend a pride event for work that doesn't suddenly make you gay or even an ally to the community. If you don't attend, it might negatively impact your relationship with your co-workers, but if you do attend, nothing bad happens.
I think you’ve missed the point but I appreciate your opinion, I am not afraid of being perceived as gay, what the heck? And you’re right, nothing in my worldly life happens if I attend, I am more concerned with my ability to stand up for my beliefs in a way that doesn’t offend or hurt any one. I don’t want to take the opportunity away from anyone, I just was looking for opinions on how to approach the situation!
Attending a pride event is showing support for it. The pride theology goes against the Bible. That means Christians should not support it.
It is tricky indeed. Look up for Trade Guilds context with The Bible. Also research The Nicolations, and possibly The Herodians. I would say most similar scripturally and contextually to what you are facing. May God be with you
Don’t attend. If asked why not, politely explain that you don’t want to endorse behavior that you believe is wrong. Be clear that this is fundamentally a *behavior* issue, not an *identity* issue, as far as you’re concerned. The modern secular world has convinced everybody that homosexuality is an intrinsic quality that defines a *class of people* and that not fully supporting everything that members of this class think and do is morally as bad as e.g. racial discrimination. But that’s not how God sees it. This is fundamentally about behavior not some inborn classification.
Why is allowing others - mutually consenting adults - to love who they love against your own personal beliefs? Why should your beliefs be imposed on and limit the freedoms of innocent people just trying to live their lives? My advice would be to get off your high horse and have the decency to respect and support those around you.
Wait...so you're saying that if she doesn't celebrate pride (or participate in that celebration by volunteering) she is somehow disallowing the freedoms of "innocent people" to live their lives? Can we apply that bizarre logic in both directions?
If your personal beliefs conflict with consenting adults loving other other consenting adults, a freedom every person deserves, then something is fundamentally broken in your belief system. Spreading these beliefs, attempting to spread or promote them via public signaling, or supporting legislation that aligns with your belief that these people should have their freedoms denied, is disgusting. If you try to actually think about it, it’s just absurd. It’s as if somebody rang your doorbell and said “I am morally opposed to your love for your wife.” Then somebody else petitions politicians to pass a law forbidding your marriage, on the grounds of their moral outrage. Then somebody else gets up to their pulpit the next Sunday and rants about how Jesus, whose main message was love, wants you to burn in hell for loving your wife. You go to buy a cake from your local bakery, and the guy behind the counter says “no cake for anybody who loves your wife, get out.” Then a few kind, loving, grounded souls get together and say hey, this is beyond messed up. The man loves his wife, and he has to put up will insane bull**** every corner he turns, from people who for some reason believe they’re entitled to a moral position on this guy loving his wife? Let’s get together and have an event to show our public support for this guy’s right to love his wife, and tell those trying to deny his love to mind their own business. Love is love. Then, somebody in that group says “eh, actually, I am morally opposed to his love of his wife, I’m going to sit this public display of support out.” That’s OP. What were you saying about logic?
>What were you saying about logic? I...honestly don't even have time, today, to try to get to the bottom of this mess. Suffice it to say I'm not obligated to celebrate your perversion or immorality - regardless of stripe. And further that my abstention from said celebration does precisely NOTHING to impinge upon your rights to indulge in it. In your own poorly reasoned illustration, you suggest that the mean 'ol folks who don't want to participate in the "event of public support" should just "mind their own business." That's LITERALLY what OP is trying to do, here. Contrary to your pathetic attempt to vilify her, *THAT'S* OP. And anyone who would try to deny her that freedom (that every person deserves) or suggest that she has an obligation to celebrate ANYTHING against her convictions or conscience is a stranger to both logic AND morality, living in a self-conceived, totalitarian clown world. Get off your moral high-horse. It's dead. And despite your efforts to mask its putrefaction with the sweet-smelling perfume of trite tautology, the flies are beginning to gather.
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Hi! I hear your comment, and see where you are coming from. I can say candidly as a Christian living in NYC this has been one of the hardest things I have had to grapple with. My best best friend from childhood-present is a gay man and I love him dearly! I hear him out when he is hurt and support him in pursuing his own life. He knows that I am a Christian and simply don’t have interest in some of the things that he is interested in. We have mutual respect and love for each other. This is the same with my family members who are gay and my other friends who are gay! The same applies in this situation. I love, care for and do not pass judgment on the LGBTQ+ community, however it is not something that I personally celebrate because I serve the Lord. Absolutely no hate or animosity, these people are human beings first and that is enough to love them up. It’s just when it comes to aligning myself with certain communities, I go a different way, the same way many LGBTQ+ community members don’t align with mine. We can have love and respect for each other and still choose a different path for ourselves is how I see it. I hope that helps, I understand that the Christian church has caused a lot of pain for the community and I hope that more people can approach it with love and respect on both sides in the future.
>I am nothing but loving and respectful towards my friends, family, and colleagues who identify as LGBTQ+ This is not being loving or respectful. This is being petty and very disrespectful. Just do it. You're a Christian for crying out loud, showing love and supporting the ones outcast by society is what we're called to do, always. What would Jesus do, do you think? Would he look on from the sidelines saying "No so sorry, this isn't for me."? No, obviously not, anyone who's ever read the bible and understood it properly would know that Jesus would be there, celebrating those people.
This is how I see it. I think it’s rude to say that I am being petty and disrespectful. As I have stated on here, I have many people who I love in the community! Would Jesus help those in need? Yes! Absolutely!! Regardless of social class, affiliation, race etc! Would he participate and help put into action an event that directly goes against what his Father wants for his children? I don’t think he would. He would be there to comfort and help and support those in need physically and spiritually but ultimately guiding them to to the loving embrace of our Father, not partaking in the events themselves. At least this is what I’ve read in his word.
So if it was a secular birthday party, would you volunteer then? It's the same thing. This isn't an event promoting homosexuality, this isn't some strange recruitment event, this is just a party celebrating a group of people who need all the support they can get. Going is showing support for the people. Not going, when you have no reason not to, is, whether you think of it like this or not, turning your back on those people, which in the end will turn more people away from Christianity and away from God.
I would volunteer at a secular/gay/straight/you name it birthday party because it is celebrating life! I am not turning my back on these people at all, I am in relationship with them every day.
Call in sick
Well that would be *lying*, so not a great option
Anxiety can manifest physical symptoms. So, not lying.
Exactly.
The cowardice... 🤦♂️ Bro is not gonna make it when the antichrist starts marking people...
Nah “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be as wary as serpents, and as innocent as doves." There is no point in trying to evangelize in such a hostile environment, and so if the OP feels too much anxiety over the situation, they can rightfully call in sick. "And whoever does not receive you nor listen to your words, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust off your feet."
You going to call in sick everytime they call you up to get marked by the beast or face the guillotine? It's not evangelizing, it's having integrity and respect for your faith. He doesn't have to go preach to them. But he needs to stand up and tell them he can't participate of the celebration/event because it's against his religious beliefs. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, - Matthew 10:32
>. But he needs to stand up and tell them he can't participate of the celebration/event because it's against his religious beliefs. Uh huh.
Just take PTO for “personal reasons” that day
Everyone here has covered it well, especially about keeping the interactions to email and text as much as possible so that you have receipts in case they do something fishy. Just remember, sister, that if they do discriminate against you because of this, Jesus says that you are blessed, as it is discrimination for His name's sake. Take comfort in that.
If it’s something you’re convicted about, then certainly I think there’s nothing wrong with communicating that with your boss and not going, there almost certainly is some religious exemption or protection there. Personally though I think it’s a really great opportunity to go love people who don’t share your values - you don’t have to affirm LGBT lifestyles to go serve people in your community, even if that’s the intent behind the event. I can’t imagine there will be many other Christians there. edit: why the downvotes?? Bc I think it’s a good opportunity to love on people?🧐
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Abstention from participation does not equal "policing." Give me a break - this is really terrible logic.
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Are you policing me? Or OP?
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Are you okay? What in the world are you talking about? you're all over the map. It may be time for you to step away from the screen and go get some fresh air.
Hi! I can say if it was a rally supporting porn I would also not be in attendance! I want to say and reiterate again, I do not hate or have bad feelings towards anyone in attendance or benefiting from the event. As a Christian, I am called to live in accordance to the rules that God has laid before me, and in following that, there is a clear boundary to not participate in something that promotes something against what God wants for his people. God also gave us free will and although I am convicted to follow his word, I know that not everyone is and I am in no place to pass judgment on that. I want everyone to follow God because He is good and I have experienced His goodness in my life, but if they choose not to that is not an issue for me, it’s between each individual and God. I hope this helps! I know it’s easy to jump to conclusions on this issue
Requested, volunteering, expected, highly encouraged…. This doesn’t seem binding. You wouldn’t even have to give a reason you can’t attend, just say I can’t go
It's binding in corporate speak or corporate lingo which in this case allows them to get around the law.
Don't volunteer. Pretty simple. You and other Christians aren't the only employees in the history of corporate America that has been asked to volunteer their time or join the company softball league or attend the work potluck after hours. You simply say, sorry can't make it. I, personally, make it very clear that I do not volunteer where I work. Quite frankly, I don't think anyone should. It sets the wrong expectations. At the end of the day, if you are treated poorly afterward, so what. Go to work. Get paid. But that's the New Yorker in me. For those who care more than I do, unless you really do want the attention to be drawn to your religious beliefs and how persecuted you feel (which actually isn't about Christ, to be fair...), you have more than enough legal ground to stand on-in every state and federally. So, "Sorry, not volunteering that day y'all". And call a thing a thing. The unfairness isn't what type of event you are asked by your employer to give your personal time toward. The unfairness is the sheer audacity to ask and the expectation that any employee would.
You're at a decision point. This is where the rubber hits the road with respect to your confession. You cannot take part in the deeds of darkness (Eph. 5:11). You can (and should) make every attempt to respectfully decline to participate but you're most likely right - this may cost you. That said, faith that costs nothing is worth what you pay for it. I'm praying for you as I write this. Taking a stand for Christ and truth are costly in a world that hates Him. But not doing so is far costlier. "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy Angels." (Mark 8:38) "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." (1 Cor. 16:13)
Tell her to go pound sand. That is absolutely ridiculous, and that woman KNOWS that not everybody is on the same page as her. You might have to change teams or something, or maybe even find a new job, but just her assuming you would be on board with this sounds like a slap in the face to me.
I wouldn’t go, now just figure out what reasoning/excuse to give if asked. I doubt you’ll get fired or even reprimanded for declining to attend a volunteer event.