British Airways uniform policy call

Evangelical Alliance joins calls on British Airways to re-think uniform policy 

24 November 2006

The Evangelical Alliance, which represents Christians across the UK, has joined calls on British Airways to re-examine its uniform policy after a BA employee, Nadia Eweida, was banned from wearing a small cross over her uniform. The Evangelical Alliance is dismayed that the national airline of a Christian country bans staff from expressing their Christian faith in this way.

The call from the Evangelical Alliance follows concern expressed by other Christian leaders, including the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, and the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres.

The Public Policy Director of the Evangelical Alliance, Dr. R. David Muir, said: “The wearing of the cross is very important to Nadia, and everyone has a right to express their faith in an appropriate way. BA's uniform policy has exemptions for items such as turbans and hijabs, which reflect the belief of those following other religions. The case presents a timely opportunity for BA to re-examine its uniform policy in the light of the current debate about religion, freedom of expression, and appropriate dress.

“BA's current position is in danger of appearing insensitive, disrespectful and discriminatory against Christians, re-inforcing the idea that Christians are entitled to wear cherished symbols of their faith so long as they are kept out of sight. This is clearly unacceptable. The message and the metaphor in BA’s current policy signals its marginalisation of Christianity in its treatment of different faith groups. We hope that common sense will prevail in the resolution of this matter.”