Charity chiefs have apologised after refusing a chaplain permission to wear a Christian cross at the hospice where he volunteered.
Charity Apologises After 73-Year-Old Christian Volunteer Was Banned From Wearing His Cross As He Comforted Terminally-Ill Patients-‘She Had No Right To Stop Me’
In his five years as a volunteer at Solihull Marie Curie hospice in Birmingham, Derek Timms provided comfort to terminally ill patients and their families, sporting a small pin on his jumper to symbolize his religion.
A new Methodist chaplain told the devout 73-year-old that he could not wear his chaplain bonnet because it might ‘create a barrier’ between him and patients. Dee Yeadon allegedly told the volunteer the following: “No religious symbols should be worn by those engaged in spiritual care.
“We need to be there for people of all faiths and none.” Timms stated he would keep the cross and questioned if the same principles were applied to Sikh turbans and Muslim dress code. Because he wouldn’t take off his cross, Mr Timms was told that he would need ‘re-training’ and would not be allowed to function as a chaplain.
After the dust had settled, Mr Timms finally received an ‘apology’ from Marie Curie with the help of the Christian Legal Centre. Curie also acknowledged that their organisation had no policy against religious signs. In his comments, Timms said: “I was completely stunned and upset.
“I felt she had no right to stop me from wearing the cross. At Marie Curie, I prayed with Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs. I prayed for Christians and non-Christians, the religious and nonreligious. I prayed for everyone and no one has ever been offended until now.”
The response on social media was one of mass outrage. A significant proportion of people called out this behaviour and praised Timms for his courage. Meanwhile, others left some brutal comments.
One person wrote: “It must have been heartbreaking for this voluntary Retired Chaplain, who has prayed with people from every faith,” while another person stated: “Sick.”
So there you have it folks. What did you think about this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. If you liked reading this article, then check out our other features on the Daily Soap Dish. Please also visit The Over Timer for all of the latest exciting news on all of your favorite daytime.
