Prayer in the Workplace

QUESTION: Is prayer in workplace allowed by law?

ANSWER:

Is prayer in the workplace allowed by law? A similar question of faith in the workplace occurred in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A librarian was fired for wearing a cross necklace to work. A federal court declared the library policy unconstitutional and said it violated the Free Speech and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment.

"This is a very important decision that underscores the fact that employees have constitutional rights to express their faith in the workplace so long as that expression does not interfere with the work setting," said Frank Manion, Senior Counsel of the ACLJ, which represents the library employee. "The fact that our client was fired for wearing a cross pendant on a necklace to work is not only absurd but unconstitutional as well. This decision sends an important message that employers cannot discriminate against employees who choose to express their religious beliefs in the workplace."

If you are considering a prayer meeting or religious event at your workplace, it is wise to consult your employer.

When we look at the Bible and the life of Jesus, we see He often prayed outside of a house of worship. He prayed in the workplace, in the open, and in the home.

Our nation was founded with prayer in mind. God is mentioned on our money, "In God We Trust." Our United States courts swear people in using the words, "So help me God." God and prayer are definitely in the workplace.

The United States constitution includes the following, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Based upon this statement, the many times that the United States government has included God in inaugurations, court proceedings, legal documents, and currency has set a precedent that prayer in the workplace is allowed.