Christian Nurse’s Faith in the Workplace

Caroline Petrie, the nurse from Weston-super-Mare who was suspended without pay for asking a patient whether she would like to be prayed for, has been reinstated by North Somerset Primary Care Trust.

Mrs Petrie, a born again Christian and mother of two, was suspended after her employers discovered that she had asked a patient whether she would like to be prayed for. This was reported and Mrs Petrie was told that she could face disciplinary action, even though the patient was not offended. Mrs Petrie attended a disciplinary hearing on 28^th January 2009 as she had failed to demonstrate a ‘personal and professional commitment to equality and diversity’ by offering to pray for the patient.

On 5^th February 2009 North Somerset Primary Care Trust issued a statement in which they said that they recognised that Mrs Petrie had been acting in the “best interests of her patients” and that nurses did not have to “set aside their faith” in the workplace, and could “continue to offer high quality care for patients while remaining committed to their beliefs”. However, the Christian Legal Centre believes that the Trust’s statement is deliberately vague in places about conditions that the Trust might seek to impose on Christians in the work place. In any case, Mrs Petrie is thrilled to be able to return to work as soon as possible and the Trust has not indicated to her that any conditions will be imposed.

Caroline Petrie stated “I am looking forward to returning to work and doing what I love and have loved for 24 years - caring for patients and their welfare. I am pleased that I do not have to separate my faith from my work.”

Andrea Williams, Director of the Christian Legal Centre, said: “This is a great victory for Mrs Petrie, and for common sense. Yesterday’s decision highlights the importance of being able to take personal faith into the workplace rather than being forced to leave it at the door for fear of being silenced by equality and diversity policies.”

Christian, in spite of the circumstances and potential consequences, let us be faithful to the Lord - “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men...” (Galatians 6:10)