Christian Man Fired for His Faith – ACLJ Demands Employer Pay for Unlawful Discrimination

Our client, a dedicated elder at a local church and a compassionate minister to his local jail, was fired after a private conversation with a co-worker who specifically asked him about the Bible's stance on an issue of morality. This conversation took place after hours at a company holiday party in December, where the colleague – who considered our client a respected friend – initiated questions about biblical teachings to our client.

During this friendly discussion, our client respectfully explained his interpretation of core biblical principles: that salvation comes through Christ. He also clarified his view of Scripture on issues of morality. At no point did he condemn his colleague personally. The event concluded with no indication of offense taken. Their friendly and professional relationship continued without incident for months afterward.

But then, months later, our client was called into a meeting with HR to face baseless accusations that he had spread hateful attacks and undermined his colleagues. Our client firmly denied these fabricated claims and explained the actual conversation as it had occurred, but his words fell on deaf ears. His employer fired him the same day. The facts couldn’t be clearer: This is textbook religious discrimination.

Our client simply answered direct questions about his Christian beliefs when asked in a private after-hours setting. He never discriminated against anyone but was terminated without any comment or consideration of his explanation of the events that had transpired. The company’s initial settlement offer was insultingly inadequate, failing to account for the substantial damages our client has suffered. Not only has he lost his income, but at his age and with family responsibilities – including care for a 92-year-old family member – relocation for new employment would create extreme hardship.

That’s when our client reached out to us for help and why we’re stepping into these negotiations to ensure that his rights are upheld and he is fairly compensated for his employer’s unlawful actions.

The ACLJ is proud to announce that we are submitting a robust rejection of their settlement offer, demanding that they provide appropriate compensation that reflects the true damage inflicted by this blatant act of religious discrimination. A few months’ severance hardly makes up for his lost wages and benefits that would allow our client to bridge the gap until retirement age.

Federal law is clear: Christians don’t have to hide their faith in the workplace.

The First Amendment and federal law protect Americans from religious discrimination. Our demands lay out how Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act protect our client and how they were violated by his employer’s actions. Christians should not have to check their faith at the workplace door or fear termination for respectfully answering questions about their beliefs.

The ACLJ will not stand by while faithful Christians face unlawful discrimination for their beliefs. We are committed to fighting this injustice to its conclusion. If companies believe they can discriminate against employees of faith with impunity, they must be reminded that religious liberty remains a protected right in America.

We ask for your prayers and support as we continue this important battle. Unfortunately, situations like these are far too common and continue to occur. Your partnership enables us to defend believers like our latest client, who faces discrimination simply for living according to their faith.