Volunteering/service as act of faith

[Anonymous]

I grew up in an extremely Christian family (non-denominational, evangelical). Try as I might (and I tried everything, including short stints as a missionary), I have never really had faith in the Christian sense. I love the values but I don't believe any of the theology.

I'm married and my husband is Catholic, our children are baptized Catholic, we attend mass every week, and I like mass and the Sunday school, community, values, etc. I just lack the actual faith and any care about the theology.

I was furloughed during the shutdown, and volunteered almost every day at a place with extreme need. It brought me the most satisfaction I've had in years (outside of my family). I am touched by the impact on the people (mostly children) my small contribution has made. I feel like a better person, a better partner, parent, citizen, etc., because of this.

I almost feel like a religious/spiritual impact from this. Not anything about God, but about humanity, connection, service, etc.

As I'm back to work as a fed, and don't get much meaning from my work this year, I'm committed to continuing this volunteer work 1-2 times a week, an hour or so at a time. I did today, and I hope to make this a regular schedule.

Would you say it is reasonable to ask for a religious accommodation request to enable a flexible schedule to continue this volunteer service?

[Anonymous]

You’ve made it clear that you feel no connection to God in doing this work.

It is fundamentally dishonest to ask for a religious accommodation in that circumstance.

[Anonymous]

I think this administration's religious accommodation policy is ridiculous so you should use it as much as you want. The sooner it causes problems for agencies, the sooner it will go away. And you'll be doing good for others, so why not?

[Anonymous]

What would be the benefit or a religious accommodation? I’m confused ( not a fed) are you looking to use leave or have more flexibility in schedule?

I love that you found this calling though OP. I do a lot of volunteer work through our church and believe it’s part of our church mission to help others. Not just attend service on Sunday and quote the Bible. Sometimes you need an Angel in life and sometimes you are the Angel, to someone else.

[Anonymous]

Yes, community service is part of my faith, and what you're describing is not only reasonable but common in many religions (including Catholicism, so I'm kinda curious why you don't care about theology when service is a big part of it).
Anyway, I belong to a liberal denomination so I won't be requesting this accommodation. Not interested in drawing attention to my church.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you for the responses. Seriously: do you have to actually believe all the theology of a religion to be of the religion? I highly doubt it! If so, that's how Crusades happen!

The reason I submitted a religious accommodation is because my agency has a strict in person requirement. There are a few exceptions for situational telework, including religious reasons, and then there are reasonable and religious accomodations that can allow for a recurring telework schedule. That's what I'm asking for. I'm not even asking for a whole day of telework; just telework prior to my commitment, then leave for the volunteer work, then commute to the office.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You’ve made it clear that you feel no connection to God in doing this work.

It is fundamentally dishonest to ask for a religious accommodation in that circumstance.

If you were a humanist or plenty of other non-Christian religions I would see no reason this wouldn't be seen as a 'religious' activity, so I see no reason why you can't claim it, even if you're not "feeling connected to God" while you do it.

[Anonymous]

No. It's great you want to volunteer but this has nothing to do with work or religion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No. It's great you want to volunteer but this has nothing to do with work or religion.

I agree totally. Volunteer however you can.

[Anonymous]

First of all - thank you for stepping in to volunteer! There are very few people who are willing to make regular commitments to service. Perhaps your organization can help you find a schedule that better suits your work needs. Do they have other opportunities on evenings or weekends? Can you chunk time to take leave in the morning to volunteer and then work in the afternoon?

I do most of my volunteer work on weekends, but I take one day a month off from work for medical appointments. (I can only do half day or full day leave blocks, so because of my commute, I must take the whole day) I schedule appointments in the morning and then use the rest of the day for volunteering.