A Christian doctor is suing his employers for unfair dismissal after being sacked following his sending of a motivational prayer e-mail to colleagues and a Christmas text message to one individual.
Dr David Drew’s employers at Walsall Manor Hospital complained that his behaviour was inappropriate after he e-mailed a prayer by St Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, to colleagues for motivation.
The employment tribunal in Birmingham heard that his bosses also complained that he sent a Christmas text message to a colleague which read “have a peaceful Christmas”.
Dr Drew started having problems with his employers after he complained about patient care at Walsall Manor Hospital. He claims that his employers responded to his complaints by accusing him of forcing his religion on colleagues.
The Doctor was finally dismissed after he failed to accept one of the recommendations of the investigation against him which ordered that he “refrain from using religious references in his professional communications, verbal or written”.
He was told that unless he agreed to the recommendations and accept them without questioning then he should resign.
Dr Drew's BMA representative, Ian McKivett, said that he repeatedly asked the trust for evidence of inappropriate religious references but was not given any apart from the prayer and the text message.
At the tribunal on Monday, Dr Drew stated:
“The allegation that I have forced my religion onto other people, that I am some kind of religious maniac, was made worse by the fact that they told me there was no need to understand what this is all about.
“If the trust wanted me to behave in a different way they should give me some explanation. Little did I know that this email would cause me so much difficulty and ultimately result in my dismissal.”
Dr Drew claims hospital bosses offered him 'a bribe' to leave quietly.
The hearing continues and is expected to last for three weeks.
Sources
Resources
Christian Concern: Religious Freedom