Leeds Charity Axes Christian Worker Over Bible Views – Tribunal Slams Discrimination
A Leeds mental health charity has sparked outrage after pulling a job offer from a Christian social worker due to his traditional views on marriage and sexuality. Now, an employment appeal tribunal has slammed the charity, overturning an earlier ruling that had backed the employer.
Job Offer Scrapped Over ‘Triggering’ Bible Quotes
Felix Ngole, 47, was due to start work at Touchstone, a Leeds-based mental health and NHS provider. But when the charity uncovered his past public statements supporting traditional Christian beliefs, it abruptly withdrew his job offer.
Touchstone claimed Ngole’s views might upset LGBTQI+ service users who could come across his beliefs online. Dave Pickard, the charity’s head of operations, even argued that quoting John 3:16 could be “triggering” for vulnerable clients. The controversial stance was backed by LGBT campaign group Stonewall.
Christian Worker’s Court Wins Add Fuel to Fire
This isn’t Ngole’s first courtroom showdown. In 2019, he beat the University of Sheffield after being expelled for Facebook posts defending biblical sexual ethics. The Court of Appeal ruled expressing religious views on sin wasn’t discrimination.
Word is, Touchstone retracted his job offer after discovering Ngole’s earlier legal win, stirring the pot even more.
The Christian Legal Centre called Monday’s ruling a “significant win for Christian freedom and free speech,” warning it could overhaul how employers handle staff with religious beliefs online.
Parts of Ngole’s claim remain unresolved, with more appeals on the horizon. Expect more courtroom drama as this story unfolds.
