Boss-led "fellowship" with prayer "...in Jesus Christ, our lord's name Amen"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a reasonable observer, I cannot conclude that the prayer was not officially endorsed. Sounds like OP agrees.

I would report it. 8)

[Anonymous]

If attendance at the "brunch" is mandatory, then it has crossed a line.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Were you "rounded up" or invited? Big difference. Was it framed as a meeting for all staff or were you told you were welcome to join in?

OP here: I took it as "rounded up" as everyone in the division was there and I was told "we're meeting in the conference room." When I started to grab a pen and pad, they said you won't need that, we're having "brunch." Apparently they have this every month. The main purpose was not to pray, but to eat the brunch and hang out. Yes, this is part of the work hours for everyone. The praying part happened first.

It is interesting that someone mentioned racism. I don't know if it changes anything, but I was the only white person in the group of 20. I think it was a cultural difference that I was not accustomed to in previous work environments, but it made me feel like I wouldn't fit in.

OP when I read your post, I immediately knew that these were black people. FWIW I'm AA and feel that this situation is inappropriate but I don't think it is uncommon. It sounds like this was more of a social function/team building activity. And I think it is astute of you to understand that there are cultural issues at play - however its still inappropriate. Not sure of how you handle it - because obviously this is the "norm" for your team. If you felt uncomfortable with it then that is a problem and I think you have to get that out in the open - either with your supervisor or HR. I wouldn't get so hung up on whether it's right or wrong but how it makes you feel and what action you can take that won't be detrimental to your work relationships.

[Anonymous]

Troll

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a reasonable observer, I cannot conclude that the prayer was not officially endorsed. Sounds like OP agrees.

A supervisor leading prayer is not in and of itself an official endorsement. Read that entire link to understand the concept. Personally I would never lead or participate in prayer in the workplace because it's just a line I'm not comfortable crossing, but it's really hard to see in this situation that "Come to brunch" + supervisor-led prayer = official endorsement of religion.

I DID read the entire link. Just because I don't agree with you or have the same perspective on how these rules should be interpreted in practice does not mean that I have not done my homework here. The rules indicate that the burden is on the praying people to make it absolutely clear that under no circumstance, someone would reasonably assume that the prayer/beliefs are officially endorsed.

Regardless, the employees used government resources (time, and maybe funding for the food) to proselytize.

[Anonymous]

First there was White Christian racism in the GCB thread, now its Black Christian racism. What's next?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a reasonable observer, I cannot conclude that the prayer was not officially endorsed. Sounds like OP agrees.

A supervisor leading prayer is not in and of itself an official endorsement. Read that entire link to understand the concept. Personally I would never lead or participate in prayer in the workplace because it's just a line I'm not comfortable crossing, but it's really hard to see in this situation that "Come to brunch" + supervisor-led prayer = official endorsement of religion.

I DID read the entire link. Just because I don't agree with you or have the same perspective on how these rules should be interpreted in practice does not mean that I have not done my homework here. The rules indicate that the burden is on the praying people to make it absolutely clear that under no circumstance, someone would reasonably assume that the prayer/beliefs are officially endorsed.

Regardless, the employees used government resources (time, and maybe funding for the food) to proselytize.

Prayer ? proselytizing. Plus, the point wasn't even a prayer meeting (which is actually allowed on say, lunch breaks and in government spaces), but a brunch. And proselytization in the workplace is NOT actually prohibited in and of itself (see quote below) though as the link indicates, repeated attempts at proselytizing ("convert or go to Hell!" or "Come to church!") after being asked to stop can be harassment.

I am curious however whether the food was paid for or the employee brought it in for free.

Employees are permitted to engage in religious expression directed at fellow employees, and may even attempt to persuade fellow employees of the correctness of their religious views, to the same extent as those employees may engage in comparable speech not involving religion. Some religions encourage adherents to spread the faith at every opportunity, a duty that can encompass the adherent's workplace. As a general matter, proselytizing is as entitled to constitutional protection as any other form of speech -- as long as a reasonable observer would not interpret the expression as government endorsement of religion.

[Anonymous]

LOL. One of the ads at the top of the thread page is "Miracle Prayer Requests Need Prayer? Thousands Will Pray for You."

[Anonymous]

I am genuinely wondering if the food was purchased through OP's agency. If so, can you share your secret? We can't even get refreshments covered at all-day meetings! Sorry, folks, but you'll have to leave the room to get some coffee/water.

Maybe all that praying for brunch worked out...

[Anonymous]

PP here - I would also feel uncomfortable (my post was in jest, of course). But as an atheist with Christian parents, in-laws, and relatives, plus many jewish friends/coworkers, I have an extremely high tolerance. Whatever floats their boat IMO!

What's silly is that it's ok to pray to your higher power but how DARE you even DISCUSS politics...now the Hatch Act is something you could enforce in a heartbeat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am genuinely wondering if the food was purchased through OP's agency. If so, can you share your secret? We can't even get refreshments covered at all-day meetings! Sorry, folks, but you'll have to leave the room to get some coffee/water.

Maybe all that praying for brunch worked out...

Once a month brunch sounds like a potluck I bet. Or personally catered.

[Anonymous]

More information on this is needed.

Was this work time? Or were the supervisor and employees on their own time, engaging in a purely voluntary activity?

Sounds like this was work time. Do you think all of them clocked out, went to this thing, came back to work and clocked in?

[Anonymous]

It's not just a "brunch," which implies some light social function. According to the OP, it was a mandatory meeting (or at least she understood it as mandatory) with food, conducted in the office with 100% participation. Not at all the same as going out to lunch with some office buddies. I too think this falls clearly within the prohibited type of meeting cited in the link -- because when you appear to force everyone to do it, it has the appearance of official government sanction. That crosses the line. It might be different if the supervisor had said, "Ok, OP, you are new here so you may not know that we all get together to pray -- we welcome your participation but of course you should feel free to step out or not bow your head if you please." But unless OP says otherwise, there is no indication that that happened.

I would bring it up with the boss -- say "hey, I wasn't comfortable with this, do you mind if I'm excused in the future." If he says sure, leave it there. If he doesn't take it well, then I'd report it to the IG.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's not just a "brunch," which implies some light social function. According to the OP, it was a mandatory meeting (or at least she understood it as mandatory) with food, conducted in the office with 100% participation. Not at all the same as going out to lunch with some office buddies. I too think this falls clearly within the prohibited type of meeting cited in the link -- because when you appear to force everyone to do it, it has the appearance of official government sanction. That crosses the line. It might be different if the supervisor had said, "Ok, OP, you are new here so you may not know that we all get together to pray -- we welcome your participation but of course you should feel free to step out or not bow your head if you please." But unless OP says otherwise, there is no indication that that happened.

I would bring it up with the boss -- say "hey, I wasn't comfortable with this, do you mind if I'm excused in the future." If he says sure, leave it there. If he doesn't take it well, then I'd report it to the IG.

OP already clarified. Did you read any of his/her posts past the first one?

[Anonymous]

Op you are a uncle tom of Christians, a quick prayer before a potluck volunteer event is not a big deal. I wish Aa would realize they have more in common with Republicans we believe in your right to Christianity.