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Responding to the decision by an employment tribunal that a Christian charity constructively dismissed a former employee, himself a Christian, when he refused to discriminate against non-Christians, the religion and society think tank Ekklesia has said that ending discriminatory practices is a spiritual and religious imperative, as well as a legal and moral one.

Details of the case are here: http://ekklesia.co.uk/node/7151

Simon Barrow, co-director of Ekklesia, said: "This judgement ought to make religious charities sit up and think - not just about their legal responsibilities and the morality of non-discrimination, but about the impact of their behaviour on their image with the public at large."

He continued: "Leaders and entrepreneurs in many faith organisations seem reluctant to embrace a comprehensive equalities agenda, or to recognise their culpability in issues of discrimination. Yet they are often the first to seek exemptions from legislation accepted by others and to complain that they are being 'attacked' when criticisms are raised."

"The Christian message of love and justice is undermined by poor employment and equalities practices in the Christian organisations. This is an opportunity for the churches to get their house in order."