August 12, 2010
A resolute Christian who proclaimed that a woman should “put her faith in God” to survive an incurable illness has lost his claim for unfair dismissal. London South Employment Tribunal heard this month how Duke Amachree was released from his post at Wandsworth Borough Council after his employers were contacted by a “shocked” and “upset” member of the public. Mr Amachree was suspended from his role as a Homelessness Prevention Officer in January 2008. His employers acted after the worker told a woman, known as X, to believe that God could cure her ailments when she came to him for advice. After 18 years with the council, Mr Amachree was dismissed for gross misconduct in July last year following an internal council investigation and disciplinary hearing. A subsequent appeal against the decision was dismissed and he launched a legal claim for unfair dismissal, religious discrimination and breach of contract in respect of the failure to give him notice of dismissal. However, following hearings in June and July, the tribunal ruled he was "fairly dismissed" and was not discriminated against on the grounds of his religion by the council. His claim for breach of contract was also judged to be unfounded and dismissed. In a statement issued by the Christian Legal Centre, who backed his case, Mr Amachree said: "I am devastated by the outcome. This is a sad day for Christians who simply want to live out their faith in the workplace without fear."