Federal workers may discuss faith, ask colleagues to ‘re-think’ beliefs: Memo

Federal workers are being granted expanded protections for expressing their religious beliefs in the workplace, under new guidance issued Monday, July 28, by the Office of Personnel Management. The memo instructs agencies to ensure that religious expression is welcomed — not penalized — in federal offices.

That includes allowing employees to display religious items like Bibles, crucifixes, mezuzahs, rosary beads or tefillin on their desks. It also allows them to pray during breaks, invite colleagues to church and openly discuss their faith — even in some interactions with the public.

‘Should never have to choose’

“Federal employees should never have to choose between their faith and their career,” OPM Director Scott Kupor said in a statement. “This guidance ensures the federal workplace is not just compliant with the law but welcoming to Americans of all faiths.”

The memo clarifies that agencies may restrict posters or materials generally, but cannot single out a ban on religious posters. Religious clothing or accessories, including garments with faith-based messages, are also permitted.

Religious debate — with limits

One of the more notable provisions allows employees to “politely” urge coworkers to rethink their religious beliefs.

“During a break, an employee may engage another in polite discussion of why his faith is correct and why the non-adherent should re-think his religious beliefs,” the memo stated. “However, if the nonadherent requests such attempts to stop, the employee should honor the request.”

Employees may also invite coworkers to worship services or faith-based events, regardless of differences in religious background. Even some public-facing roles — like park rangers or VA doctors — are permitted to engage in prayer with visitors or patients, according to the guidance.

Not entirely new guidance

While the new OPM directive includes more detailed examples, the foundation of the policy isn’t new. A 1997 memo under the Clinton administration also affirmed that federal employees could “discuss their religious views with one another” and “may even attempt to persuade fellow employees of the correctness of their religious views.”

However, it noted they “must refrain from such expression when a fellow employee asks that it stop.”

The Trump administration’s version affirms that standard but goes further in outlining permissible actions and encouraging federal agencies to foster a more openly faith-inclusive environment.