Suspended by Prayer
- Details
- Written by Marcus Yoars
As if Britain needed any more proof of its complete secularization, a nurse working in North Somerset, England, has been suspended for simply offering to pray for a patient. A registered nurse for more than 25 years, Caroline Petrie was caring for an elderly woman at the woman’s home when Petrie asked if she would like her to pray for her. The woman politely declined but complained to Petrie’s authorities the following day, which prompted an initial warning. The day after, however, Petrie was informed that she would not be allowed to work until the incident was fully investigated.
“We always take any concerns raised by our patients most seriously and conscientiously investigate any matter of this nature brought to our attention,” a spokesman for North Somerset Primary Care Trust said. “We are always keen to be respectful of our patients’ views and sensitivity as well as those of our staff.”
According to multiple sources, the elderly woman “said that she wasn’t offended but was concerned that someone else might be.” Petrie, who attends a Baptist church with her husband and two children, mentioned that she often offers to pray for her patients, many of whom take up her offer. “My concern is for the person as a whole, not just their health.”
Last October the 45-year-old nurse was reprimanded for an incident in which she gave a patient a homemade “prayer card.” Although the elderly man had happily accepted the item, his caregiver reported Petrie, which prompted her boss at the time to remind her, “Your NMC [Nursing Midwifery Council] code states that ‘you must demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to equality and diversity’ and ‘you must not use your professional status to promote causes that are not related to health.’”
Following her suspension, Petrie sought the help of the Christian Legal Centre, an organization of legal representative organization seeking to promote religious freedom and, in particular, protect Christians. She will learn later this week whether she’ll lose her job or be allowed to resume duties. [telegraph.co.uk, 2/1/09; bbc.co.uk, 2/1/09]
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Comments
I think the Christian nurse was "wrong" to offer to pray for the woman but to be suspended is uncalled for. I like was St. Frances said: "Preach the gospel always--use words if necessary."
If a Wiccan offered to cast a spell over my illness while I was in the hospital, I would decline but think it odd. People with different belief systems should NOT "impose" them on others, even in a kindly manner.
Just work as unto Jesus and remember what I read in Luke: The "sinners" were DRAWN to Jesus to HEAR Him" -- if people want to know, they will ask, seek Him out.
I have been at more than one job site chided, ridiculed, and "unofficially" reprimanded for inquiring about how (if at all) a client's spiritual/religious beliefs could positively effect their expected treatment goal results. Reprimands have NOT been due to offended clients' reporting, but due to other professionals listening in (to supposedly) confidential sessions.
And when coworkers/supervisors come to know that I am a chaplain in my personal life, some have targeted me for professional sensure during employee social activities. Knowing the overtly-liberal atmosphere of the helping professions in the Ann Arbor-Metro Detroit area, I have always politely probed during situations in which spiritual issues had been initiated by the client or by coworkers with questions. I learned early in my social worker career that I needed to be watchful, behaving as a wise & gentle person, never seeking opportunities, but responding only as much as the other person showed interest.
If the lefties would be more gentle and considerate about jousting their agendas into every possible situation, in order to use their protected prefered-status, our citizens and children would be less intimidated and manipulated towards biased infringments!!!!!!
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