Religion is a complex matter. It's very easy to misunderstand a faith, make an innocent mistake and cause unintentional offence. As many organisations have found to their cost, lack of religious understanding can lead to PR disaster and financial loss: - • British Airways suspends a check-in desk worker because she refuses to cover up her small silver cross. 94 MPs, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and Bishops of London and Rochester condemn the move as Christians worldwide threaten to boycott the airline. BA eventually announces a review of uniform policy.
• The Royal Mail releases a stamp depicting Hindus worshipping Jesus. Hindus complain and a media row ensues. The Royal Mail has to apologise and partially withdraws the stamp
• Kent Police are forced to re-brand 'Operation Pagan,' a crackdown on crime, drug abuse and anti-social behaviour after complaints from the Pagan community
• Lambeth Council is forever labelled as a model of 'political correctness gone mad' after dropping 'Christmas' lights and introducing 'festive' or 'winter' lights instead
All of these situations could have been avoided had the organisations concerned taken the advice of religion consultants. If you are facing a religious issue, considering promoting yourself or your clients to a religious audience, using religious imagery for your marketing, need information on a specific faith community or want to avoid causing religious offence for any reason, please get in touch, however large or small your project. We have all the specialist knowledge and contacts you need to safeguard your reputation in this complex and sensitive field.