This discussion topic is very timely this week. I will confess to having struggled today to focus because I have been dealing remotely with some conflict occurring in my organization on the topic of religion. Belatedly, I realize that the situation is one that might benefit from discussion here with my classmates.

Outside of work, I hold a position on the executive board with our union. One of our board members signed an email to the membership with "god bless" last week, sparking an internal conversation with another board member who is atheist. The first board member apologized, and we agreed to keep our membership communications secular in respect of others' beliefs. Yesterday, another board member forwarded an email with COVID resources from a faith-based group to the membership. A discussion on social media immediately got heated among members, resulting in a letter to the board asking that we not promote faith-based organizations. The person who sent the faith-based email went on the defense, and attacked the character of the person who sent the letter of complaint. I asked that we focus on the concern and simply be more conscious of what we send.

I got a personal passive aggressive "right. Have a nice day" email from the faith-based email sender, in addition to an angry email from the "god bless" board member defending their rights to express concern with their own beliefs, plus texts from the complainant who feels like their concerns are being dismissed because she also got a passive aggressive email from the sender. Our new president has not replied as of the time of this writing.

In my mind, the issue is very clear. We have a section in our bylaws that states "No subject of a partisan or religious nature shall at any time be admitted." in reference to membership meetings. (IATSE 504, 2015) The minutiae of its application to a faith-based email can be debated, however if members have raised the concern, I personally feel that we should respect that and cease communicating anything of a faith-based nature as a board when representing the union. It is very different than an individual's right to express a blessing in their own manner outside of the workplace.

My problem now is that I have attempted to calmly and logically explain as such, but am getting nothing but emotional responses from my fellow leaders, while our member feels that their opinion is being disregarded because of preconceived opinions of her. I pride myself on my mediation ability, but it is very difficult over email, and my calm and rational approach did not have its intended effect. If you have made it through my explanation, I appreciate it very much, and would love any all objective takes on the situation.

Provide your feedback according to the a bove post?