Church Accountant Wins Discrimination Case Against Catholic Diocese
In a landmark ruling, Janet Parker, a 55-year-old church accountant, successfully sued the Clifton diocese in Bristol for religious discrimination, highlighting issues surrounding the treatment of non-religious employees. Parker’s troubles began in 2020 when she requested leave to care for her newly adopted daughter. Following her request for flexible working hours the next year, which was denied, Parker raised concerns about the Catholic Church’s historical treatment of adopted children.
Expressing her disappointment, Parker remarked, “I hoped that this kind of prejudice had been eradicated long ago.” She alleged that after she spoke out, she faced a “witch-hunt” from her managers over accusations of professional negligence, ultimately leading to her dismissal from her £60,000-a-year position.
An employment tribunal found in her favor, concluding that the diocese had discriminated against her, harassed her, and unfairly terminated her employment due to her non-Catholic status. Judge Adam Midgley remarked that Parker was targeted for raising concerns about the church’s treatment of vulnerable children, suggesting that she was marked for dismissal from that moment.
The tribunal described the diocese’s investigation into Parker as “derisory in its depth” and one that appeared focused solely on establishing fault. Following her dismissal, Parker faced disciplinary proceedings from the Institute of Chartered Accountants for sending inappropriate messages to the diocese’s chief operating officer, though she maintains that her treatment was influenced by the religious beliefs of her colleagues.
As the diocese considers an appeal, Parker is yet to receive any compensation for her ordeal, while the Clifton diocese has declined to comment on the matter.
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