Tribunal says Christians wearing a cross are being open about their faith

Mary Onuoha, a senior nurse and theatre practitioner, worked for 19 years at Croydon University Hospital Surrey, and for most of them wore a necklace with a simple cross as a symbol of her Christian faith. There were never complaints from colleagues or patients, but in the last two years of her employment a series of line managers complained that it was against the Trust’s dress rules, although other members of staff wore religious symbols and jewellery. In June 2020, she was forced out of her job. Helped by the Christian Legal Centre, she sued the Trust for constructive dismissal. On January 5th, a Tribunal found that the Trust had constructively dismissed Mrs Onuoha ‘without reasonable and proper cause’ and that the dismissal was unfair and discriminatory, and that their conduct had had created an offensive, hostile and intimidating environment for her. The judgement also acknowledged that there is biblical teaching imploring Christians to be open about their faith and not to hide it.

The Tribunal rejected the Trust’s argument that its objection to the necklace had nothing to do with Mrs Onuoha’s Christian beliefs. It accepted the expert evidence of theologian Dr Martin Parsons, and on that basis, specifically found that ‘the cross is a symbol of Christianity and wearing a cross has many centuries of tradition behind it.’[1] The judgement noted that wearing a cross is not, and should not be simply as a fashion accessory, and that stopping Christians from displaying the cross has been a feature of wider persecution campaigns in some parts of the world.

One of my readers, Ann, emailed to say that she wonders if all Christians should wear a cross. She is not good at conversing or witnessing herself, she said, but just seeing the cross might make people think.

She may have a point. In the run-up to Christmas Marks & Spencer’s sold jumpers emblazoned in colourful letters with the word BELIEVE. Revd Lucy Brierley bought one and said the jumper had become the ‘unofficial clergy uniform this festive season.’ She said she was thrilled to where the Christmas jumper to declare that she believed – ‘because this good news isn’t something I want to keep to myself.’

Reverend Cindy Kent agreed, saying, ‘I love the fact that it’s not preachy. For fellow believers there will be an obvious, yea, I believe as well. I’ve had a few thumbs up from people so far’[1].

For years I wore a necklace with a cross and the star of David pendants. If I were asked about it, I’d say it was because Jesus Christ was crucified to give us eternal life and He was a Jew and a descendant of King David. The Jewish scriptures included clear prophecies about Him. The tribunal’s judgement has made me think, and if I could find my necklace, I would wear it again. It might still be a conversation starter.