FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Aspire and Distinctives deal with most of the issues
highlighted below, but we thought it would be helpful to answer some of
the questions that we have often been asked in relation to employment
and Christian organisations:
| Q: |
"You've mentioned Ethos a number of times, but
what is it about?" |
| A: |
Ethos is not so much about what organisations
do; it's much more about the way people behave in organisations and,
as a result, the way organisations are. For Christian organisations,
developing a relational Ethos that reflects the love of God is essential
for creating the culture and community we should be striving for.
For further details of Ethos, you may want to read the downloadable
booklet "Defining a Distinctively Christian Ethos" |
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| Q: |
"Is it true that Christian organisations can no
longer choose to just employ Christians?" |
| A: |
Since 2004 it has been illegal to discriminate
on the grounds of religious belief in regards to employment. However,
when the organisation concerned has an ethos based on religion or
belief, there is a Genuine Occupational Requirement (or G.O.R) for
particular post-holders to be of that faith. This, however, does not
mean there can be a "blanket policy" on employing only Christians
in a Christian organisation or church. |
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| Q: |
"Do Christian organisations need an Ethos Statement?" |
| A: |
As English legislation requires any discrimination
in employing a person of a particular faith to have regard to the
organisations ethos, it is important for organisations to be able
to articulate that ethos. Some have found this exercise of writing
down their ethos in a statement difficult, but really helpful. To
get you started, you may want to look at our sample
ethos statements. |
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| Q: |
"What kind of values should Christian organisations
be displaying?" |
| A: |
The values that the CDG have considered as essential
to any Christian organisation are being individual-aware (valuing
each person), inclusive (fairness and belonging), interdependent (shown
in working together), and showing integrity (in who we are and what
we do). Foundational to all these values is being Christ-Centred.
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