On Ash Wednesday, is it ok to wear cross on forehead at work? Does anyone have a right to tell you to remove?

Question

I am Catholic (I guess) but I haven't been to services in many years. I'd like to go this year, and I was just thinking ahead to Ash Wednesday. At work last year some people came to work with the ash cross on their foreheads, and left it there all day at work.
Does any employer have the right to tell you you have to wash it off or whatever? Or is this religious freedom ? Because I know there are sometimes lawsuits even over people wearing crosses to work.


also, Catholics, when do you wash that off?at end of day on ash wed.? thanks.

Answer 1

Just argue it as your First Amendment right.

Answer 2

I see several mattters here, which I will answer in order: (1) It is completely appropriate to wear the cross of ash on your forehead. This is part of the freedom of religion guaranteed by the first constitutional amendment. It would be illegal for an employer to ask you to remove this religious symbol. The only time there might be a problem is if the symbol somehow violated office dress code. It might be in your best interest to be discrete if you believe that the symbol might cause a problem where you work. (2) Thinking ahead to Ash Wednesday: Wow, you're thinking pretty far in advance! The service comes sometime in March. It is a penitential prayer service that reminds us of our sinfulness before God and the need to repent during Lent - the 40 days before the holiday commemorating the passion and ressurection of Jesus. (3) When to wash it off? There is no prescription that says there's a certain time to wash it off. Some wash it off right away, others allow it to remain until they naturally would next wash their face. This is ultimately a personal choice. Many people wear the cross as a testament to their faith and as a reminder that, as the priest tells us when giving the cross, "you are dust, and to dust you shall return." (4) In my experience, most of the time, the cross of ash is so discrete that it's not even noticed outside of the appearance of a light, dirty smudge (unless, of course, you're at a Catholic campus like Notre Dame!). A real way to show the faith might be to think about returning to mass regularly - you could easily get these answers and more from a priest. Happy Lent!

Answer 3

Religous freedom is a broad proposition, but it only goes so far.

1st Amendment protections apply to government action, not to private companies. While some states have laws that prohibit religious discriminaton, this is generally with the disclaimer that a company can set requirements based on the type of business and the job requirements.

So, a receptionist or a clerk at a counter may have different appearance requirements than someone who works on a loading dock, or in a cubicle answering phones. The best bet is to speak with your boss at work, and find out what the company policy is. The fact that it was allowed last year might be a good indication.

Answer 4

Yes, you have been blessed via the placement of the ashes on your forehead. An employer requiring you to wash it off would no doubt be grounds for a suit, and you wash it off during your next regularly scheduled shower.

Answer 5

No, the fact that employees did it last year without upsetting anyone or being asked to remove their ashes proves it. Just wash it off that night when you wash your face.

Answer 6

Yes, you can wear it. No, your place of employment cannot ask you to remove it; protected under the Constitution. You can remove it yourself whenever you feel like it. Most Catholics wear it the whole day.