A chaplain at Hospice by the Sea in Boca Raton has resigned, she says, over a ban on use of the words “God” or “Lord” in public settings.
Chaplains still speak freely of the Almighty in private sessions with patients or families but, the Rev. Mirta Signorelli said: “I can’t do chaplain’s work if I can’t say ‘God’ ”” if I’m scripted.”
Hospice CEO Paula Alderson said the ban on religious references applies only to the inspirational messages that chaplains deliver in staff meetings. The hospice remains fully comfortable with ministers, priests and rabbis offering religious counsel to the dying and grieving.
“I was sensitive to the fact that we don’t impose religion on our staff, and that it is not appropriate in the context of a staff meeting to use certain phrases or ‘God’ or ‘Holy Father,’ because some of our staff don’t believe at all,” Alderson said.
“I was sensitive to the fact that we don’t impose religion on our staff, and that it is not appropriate in the context of a staff meeting to use certain phrases or ‘God’ or ‘Holy Father,’ because some of our staff don’t believe at all,” Alderson said.
And their religion trumps everyone elses.
Here’s a concept — don’t ask the chaplain to give “inspirational” comments at secular staff meetings! If this is a totally secular organization and they have totally secular staff meetings, then limit the “inspiration” to “Ten Top Secrets of Successful People.” Frankly, if I were the chaplain, I would have said “Sorry. I don’t do “inspirational” remarks. Please find somebody else.” I would never have agreed to give some watered down generic remarks in the first place.
BTW, I’m pretty sure this particular chaplain didn’t use the words “Holy Father.” 🙂
I wonder if he could pray “to the god of our understandings.”
This is a staff meeting, a a business meeting for employees. The CEO is absolutely correct. What is there to argue about? Why is this considered newsworthy? James Kennish
There is more to this story than what is in the article. What was the existing relationship between the CEO and chaplain? What is the context and setting of the staff meeting when the chaplain is called upon to give an inspirational message, but to do so from a ‘foreign’ (ie. not religious) perspective?